Clinical background:
For research study ONLY
It is a “slow” acute phase reactant. Serum levels are increased in inflammation, tissue necrosis and malignancy. Reduced serum levels are seen during pregnancy and as a result of treatment with exogenous oestrogens. It is of little use in the assessment of the acute phase response though it may be useful as a marker of activity in IBD.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum
Specimen container adult:
Serum
Minimum volume paediatric:
2 mL
Minimum volume adult:
2 mL
Special requirements:
Store sample at 4°C
Transport requirements:
Post at room temperature
Interpretation:
A1AG is a 40kDa glycoprotein. It is a ‘slow’ acute phase reactant. Serum levels are increased in inflammation, tissue necrosis and malignancy. Reduced serum levels are seen during pregnancy and as a result of treatment with exogenous oestrogens. It is of little use in the assessment of the acute phase response though it may be useful as a marker of activity in IBD.
Reference ranges:
Paediatric
<1y: 0.4 – 1.0 g/L
Male
1 – 50y: 0.6 – 1.2 g/L
50+ y: 0.8 – 2.0 g/L
Female
1 – 50y: 0.4 – 1.0 g/L
50+ y: 0.8 – 2.0 g/L
Factors affecting result:
Very lipaemic or tubid samples, Haemolysis. EDTA, citrate, and oxalate anticoagulants.
Other info:
Referral Laboratory: Central Specimen Reception, Blood Sciences Laboratory, King’s College Hospital, Bessemer Wing, Ground Floor, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS.