ALPHA-2-MACROGLOBULIN - (S)

Test Code: A2M

Alternate Name(s): a2-macroglobulin, A2M/a2M, AMG macroglobulin, Macroglobulin Alpha-2

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin inhibits proteases of all classes, including a variety of coagulation enzymes, such as thrombin, plasmin and kallikrein. Quantitation can be used to aid in the diagnosis of blood-clotting or clot lysis disorders.
 
The concentration of alpha-2-macroglobulin rises 10-fold or more in nephrotic syndrome when other lower molecular weight proteins are lost in the urine and alpha-2-macroglobulin is retained because of its large size. In patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, the levels are found to be elevated.
 
Patients with acute pancreatitis exhibit low serum concentrations which correlate with the severity of the disease. In hyperfibrinolytic states, after major surgery, in septicemia and severe hepatic insufficiency, the measured levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin are often low.
 
Values should be used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.

_SH Immunology Test Requisition (R250-10-21)

Adult 19+: 0.74 – 2.98 g/L
 
Adult reference values adopted from Binding Site, Optilite Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Kit, INS039.OPT, ver 19th May 2020.
 
Reference values have not been established for patients that are less than 19 years of age. 

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin is the most important inhibitor of coagulation in newborns thus the serum level is relatively high compared to adults.

Method of Analysis: Turbidimetry – Binding Site Optilite

Within 1 Week

Reportable Range: 0.20 – 6.40 g/L