Detection
Alpha‑1 begins in the liver, progresses silently in the lungs, and hides in plain sight. We need to act now.
Why earlier detection matters
Alpha‑1 is a progressive, genetic condition affecting the liver and lungs.
Because Alpha‑1 symptoms often overlap with more common diseases, affected individuals may go undiagnosed for years. In fact, a retrospective study found that the average interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 8.3 years.1 This underscores the importance of accelerating detection to avoid real and irreversible consequences.
Detection provides timely answers for critical decision making.
Mean Time From First Symptoms to Diagnosis1
Clinical practice guidelines recommend Alpha‑1 testing for all patients with liver and/or lung disease
Per clinical practice guidelines, and to ensure no individual is left undetected, all patients with liver or lung disease should be tested for Alpha‑1:
- COPD, regardless of age or ethnicity
- Emphysema, dyspnea
- Asthma uncontrolled by optimized treatment
- Bronchiectasis
- Liver disease
- Panniculitis and anti-proteinase-3 vasculitis
- Parents, siblings, and children of individuals identified with Alpha‑1 should be tested
Early diagnosis can help guide appropriate management and prevent irreversible damage due to progressive liver and/or lung disease.
Order Free Kits*Recommendations from the recognized U.S.-based organizations included above are a sample that reflects AlphaDetect’s focus on the domestic market. Additional respected national and international organizations publish consistent and valuable guidance.
Let AlphaDetect support your detection efforts
The Provider Engagement Team
AlphaDetect’s Provider Engagement Team partners with healthcare providers and organizations. Together, they build sustainable, guideline-aligned Alpha‑1 detection programs and protocols. If you’re interested in implementing or expanding routine Alpha‑1 testing within your practice or health system, we’d like to hear about your goals. Learn more.
Free Alpha‑1 Collection Kits, Testing, Reports, and Support
AlphaDetect provides free finger stick and cheek swab collection kits combined with Alpha‑1 genetic testing reports, and support. This makes it easy for you and your teams to test your patients with liver and/or lung disease as part of your standard of care.
Each kit provides the supplies needed, including a USPS postage-paid mailer. Additionally, you have the option to speak directly with the medical director of AlphaDetect for personalized support.
Reports are sent via eFax within 7-10 business days after the sample is received at our North Carolina lab and are also available through the AlphaDetect portal. Patient information is kept in the strictest confidence by our lab. Only the healthcare provider will have access to the report. The provider will share the results and their meaning with the patient. Learn more.
Educational Resources
We offer educational resources, including the Provider Engagement Team Playbook, with proven, actionable strategies to build on your detection efforts.
For patients who are detected, AlphaDetect serves as a seamless point of entry to the Alpha‑1 Foundation’s support and materials.
Access downloadable resources such as the Playbook, clinical guidelines, and peer-reviewed papers
Make ruling out Alpha‑1 an early and essential part of care for your patients with liver and/or lung disease, consistent with clinical practice guidelines.
Early detection gives patients options. Finding Alpha‑1 sooner helps protect lung function, reduce symptoms, and improve outcomes.
The detection connector
AlphaDetect is unifying and activating the Alpha‑1 community around its mission: accelerating detection to uncover everyone genetically at risk for Alpha‑1. We appreciate the support of our inaugural industry sponsors, which is enabling us to amplify our efforts.
References: 1. Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with α1-antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. CHEST. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.2. American Thoracic Society; European Respiratory Society. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003 Oct 1;168(7):818-900. doi:10.1164/rccm.168.7.818. PMID: 14522813.