Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
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
Availability:
Sample sent to an external laboratory for analysis
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.