AlphaDetect — accelerating Alpha‑1 detection
Time matters. Every year Alpha‑1 goes undetected increases the risk of progressive liver and lung damage.
Our Mission:
Accelerating detection to uncover everyone genetically at risk for Alpha‑1
AlphaDetect is a non-profit organization, powered by the Alpha‑1 Foundation (A1F). As a treatment-agnostic organization, we are solely dedicated to advancing Alpha‑1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha‑1) detection.
Alpha‑1 is a genetic, progressive condition that can cause irreversible damage to the liver and lungs and shorten life expectancy.
Powered by:
Through A1F, patients at risk for Alpha‑1 have access to trusted information, compassionate support, and a community of people who understand what they are going through.
AlphaDetect can serve as a seamless point of entry into A1F and its comprehensive resources and support for those identified at risk for Alpha‑1. Please review how through the AlphaDetect collection kits.
Who to test?
Many clinical practice guidelines, standards, and expert consensus statements recommend testing for Alpha‑1 in patients with liver and/or lung disease,,,
To ensure that no affected individual goes undetected, test your patients with:
- COPD, regardless of age or ethnicity
- Emphysema
- Asthma, if there is persistent obstruction despite optimized treatment
- Bronchiectasis, if otherwise unexplained
- Liver disease
- Panniculitis and anti-proteinase-3
- Parents, siblings, and children of individuals identified with deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin should be tested
Early detection can help guide appropriate management and prevent irreversible damage due to progressive liver and/or lung disease.
Order Free KitsRecommendations above are from the American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Respiratory Society (ERS), the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). They are representative, but not fully inclusive of all reference sources.
With AlphaDetect, you and your practice gain access to:
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Expert Engagement Team
Partners to strategically embed proven protocols and workflows at both practice and institutional levels. You and your staff can meet with the Team in person or virtually.
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Genetic Testing for Alpha‑1
Offers simple, easy, and free reporting and support. Patients can opt in to be contacted by the Alpha‑1 Foundation (A1F) via consent forms in the kits.
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Alpha‑1 Resources
Deliver practice-level education, tools, support, and protocol assistance—all provided by AlphaDetect and A1F.
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Dedicated Alpha‑1 Lab
Conducts alpha-1 genetic testing in a CLIA-certified lab to detect the four most common variant alleles (Z, S, F, and I). Reports are provided via efax or available by portal.
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Medical Director Access
Provides the option to speak with AlphaDetect’s Medical Director about Alpha‑1 and/or your patient’s report.
Call 877-837-8421 (877.TEST4A1)
Monday–Friday 9AM–7PM ET -
Live Customer Support
Speak with a member of our team. We will respond to messages left after hours within one business day.
Call 877-837-8421 (877.TEST4A1)
Monday–Friday 9AM–7PM ET
Provided at no cost to healthcare providers, patients, or insurers. Not eligible for patient or insurance billing.
Why earlier detection matters
9 out of 10 people with Alpha‑1
have not been diagnosed5
Hidden in plain sight
Alpha‑1 symptoms often resemble those of common liver diseases, eg, cirrhosis, and lung diseases, eg, COPD and emphysema. This is one reason why 9 out of 10 people with Alpha‑1 remain undiagnosed.
Earlier detection accelerates answers, informs decision-making, and facilitates identification of family members who may also be at risk.
Healthcare providers can play a critical role in identifying Alphas via routine and early testing. Consider testing all your patients with liver and/or lung disease.
References: 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. Sandhaus RA, Turino G, Brantly ML, et al. The Diagnosis and Management of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in the Adult. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2016 Jun 6;3(3):668-682. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.3.3.2015.0182. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of COPD: 2026 Report. Fontana, WI: Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; 2026. https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GOLD-REPORT-2026-v1.3-8Dec2025_WMV2.pdf Accessed September 4, 2026. Loomba R, Clark VC, Mandorfer M, Miravitlles M, Brantly M, Karpen SJ, Krag A, Kwo PY, Rockey DC, Russo MW, Sanchez AJ, Santarella S, Sharpton SR, Strange C, Teckman JH, Turner AM, Vargas HE, Strnad P. Multi-Society Expert Panel Consensus Guidance Regarding Clinical Assessment and Clinical Trial Endpoints in Adults With Alpha‑1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-Associated Liver Disease. Gastroenterology. 2026 Apr;170(4):829-842. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2025.12.012. Epub 2025 Dec 11. PMID: 41390004. Brantly M, Campos M, Davis AM, et al. Detection of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: The past, present and future. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2020;15(1):96. doi:10.1186/s13023-020-01352-5. Stoller JK. Alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency: A persistently underrecognized condition. Cleve Clin J Med. 2026 Mar 2;93(3):153-157. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.93a.25103. PMID: 41771676.