| Laboratory: | Clinical Biochemistry |
| Test Name: |
ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSIN, FECES - (F)
Test Code:
MISC
|
| Clinical Information: |
Test Indications: This test is used for the diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathies, especially when used in conjunction with serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1A) levels as a part of A1A clearance studies. A1A is resistant to degradation by digestive enzymes and is, therefore, used as an endogenous marker for the presence of blood proteins in the intestinal tract.
The preferred test for diagnosing protein-losing enteropathies is Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Clearance, Feces and Serum. That test normalizes the large range of serum A1A concentrations and the variability in random fecal A1A concentration. Random fecal A1A concentration can be used as a surrogate marker of protein loss if a 24 hour stool collection is not available. Available to gastroenterologists only. All other requests must be approved by a Clinical Chemist prior to sendout. Click here for the Approval for Test Referral Biochemistry form (F260-11-02) |
| Collection Devices: |
Preferred Device:
|
| Specimen Required: |
Feces : 5.0 mL
Pediatric Feces : 5.0 mL
5 mL homogenized stool 14 days refrigerated or frozen |
| Referral: |
Store and ship refrigerated or frozen.
|
| Requisition: | |
| Reference Values: |
≤ 54 mg/dL
Patients with protein-losing enteropathies generally have alpha-1-antitrypsin stool concentrations > 100 mg/dL. Borderline elevations above the normal range are equivocal for protein-losing enteropathies. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/182 |
| Availability: |
Within 2 Weeks
Available to gastroenterologists only
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| See Also: | |
| More Information: |
Store and ship specimens frozen in a plastic vial to HSC Clinical Chemistry - MS5.
Specimen is referred to Mayo Medical Laboratories for analysis. Test ID: A1AF (82103) |