Pulmonary Panel

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Pulmonary Panel

Back to Test Panels

Why It Matters

The Pulmonary Panel evaluates a key genetic marker associated with inherited risk for lung damage and chronic respiratory disease. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is frequently underdiagnosed and may lead to early-onset emphysema or COPD, even in individuals without significant smoking history. Early detection supports preventive care, targeted treatment, and lifestyle modifications that may help preserve long-term lung function.

Who Should Get It

Recommended for individuals with early-onset COPD, emphysema without significant smoking history, chronic respiratory symptoms, unexplained lung disease, or family history of pulmonary disorders. It is also useful for patients with persistent shortness of breath or abnormal pulmonary findings.

How This Panel Is Used

Physicians use the Pulmonary Panel to evaluate inherited risk for chronic lung disease, investigate unexplained respiratory symptoms, and support diagnosis of genetic conditions affecting pulmonary function. It is commonly ordered during pulmonary, genetic, and preventive health evaluations.

What’s Included

This panel includes biomarkers associated with inherited lung protection mechanisms and risk for progressive pulmonary damage, supporting early identification of genetic respiratory conditions.

AAT (Alpha-1 Anti-Trypsin)

This test measures the level of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, a protective protein produced by the liver that helps prevent breakdown of lung tissue.

Diagnostic Value: Low AAT levels indicate Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing emphysema, COPD, or liver disease.

Clinical Significance: Measuring AAT helps identify hereditary causes of chronic lung disease, especially in patients with early-onset respiratory symptoms or family history of COPD. Early detection allows physicians to implement preventive strategies, such as smoking avoidance and targeted therapy.

Symptom Correlation: Patients may experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, or recurrent respiratory infections; in some cases, jaundice or fatigue may signal liver involvement.

Because of its role in protecting lung tissue from enzyme-related damage, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin testing is essential for diagnosing and managing inherited pulmonary and hepatic disorders.

Together, these biomarkers provide focused insight into inherited pulmonary risk and lung health, supporting earlier detection and more informed management of chronic respiratory disease.