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.