AlphaDetect — accelerating Alpha‑1 detection

Time matters. Every year Alpha‑1 goes undetected increases the risk of progressive liver and lung damage.

Julie Murray CEO and Board Member, AlphaDetect
Julie Murray, CEO and Board Member of AlphaDetect

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.

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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.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend Alpha‑1 testing for all patients with liver and/or lung disease

  • American Thoracic Society
  • COPD Foundation
  • European Respiratory Society
  • Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
  • American College of Gastroenterology

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.

With AlphaDetect, you and your practice gain access to:

  • 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.

    Schedule a Meeting

  • 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.

    Order Cheek Swab Kits
    Order Finger Stick Kits

  • Alpha‑1 Resources

    Deliver practice-level education, tools, support, and protocol assistance—all provided by AlphaDetect and A1F.

    Visit Resources

  • 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.

  • 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 diagnosed1

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: 1. 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/s13023-020-01352-5.2. 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.