1. Introduction to α1-Antitrypsin

What is α1-Antitrypsin? α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a glycoprotein produced primarily by the liver, functioning as a protease inhibitor that protects tissues from enzymes like neutrophil elastase. It is a key biomarker for diagnosing α1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition associated with lung (e.g., emphysema) and liver diseases. Measuring AAT levels helps assess deficiency risk and guide treatment.

2. What is an α1-Antitrypsin Unit Converter?

Definition: The α1-Antitrypsin Unit Converter converts AAT concentrations between various units, enabling standardization of laboratory results for clinical use.

Purpose: It assists clinicians and researchers in interpreting AAT levels across different measurement units (e.g., mmol/L to g/L), ensuring accurate diagnosis and management of AAT deficiency and related disorders.

3. Importance of α1-Antitrypsin Unit Conversions

Converting AAT concentrations between units is critical for:

• Standardizing Results: Different labs report AAT in various units (e.g., mmol/L, g/L); conversion ensures consistency for diagnosis.
• Clinical Diagnosis: Accurate conversions aid in diagnosing AAT deficiency, assessing lung or liver disease risk, and guiding therapy.
• Research and Collaboration: Enables comparison of AAT data across studies or institutions using different measurement standards.

4. Clinical Significance

Abnormal Levels: Low AAT levels indicate α1-antitrypsin deficiency, increasing the risk of emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or liver cirrhosis. Elevated levels may occur in inflammation, pregnancy, or acute-phase reactions.

Normal Ranges:

• Typically 0.9–2.0 g/L (18–39 µmol/L or 0.9–2.0 mg/mL) in healthy adults.
• Values vary by lab and assay—consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

5. Precautions

Interferences:

• Inflammation, infection, or estrogen therapy can elevate AAT levels.
• Genetic testing (e.g., AAT phenotype) may be needed to confirm deficiency.
• Interpret AAT levels with clinical history and other tests—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are there different units for AAT?
A: Different units reflect varying standards; µmol/L is the SI unit, while g/L and mg/mL are commonly used in clinical practice.

Q: What is a normal AAT level?
A: Normal AAT is typically 0.9–2.0 g/L (18–39 µmol/L). Levels vary by context—consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.

Q: Can this converter be used for other proteins?
A: No, this converter is specific to AAT; other proteins have different conversion factors—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.