Will alphaid be billed to the patient?
Patients may feel comfortable knowing that the screening method is similar to that of many at-home genetic testing kits. AlphaID is provided with compliments of Grifols and may not be billed to patients or their insurers. Results are shared only with the ordering clinician and designated office staff, because patients are first priority.
What are the treatment options for alpha-1 lung disease?
While augmentation therapy is considered the only specific therapy for Alpha-1 lung disease, the treatment plan for lung-affected individuals with Alpha-1 should also include the appropriate use of antibiotics, an immunization program including viral hepatitis and influenza strains, reduction or elimination of environmental risk factors,...
What is alphaid™ for COPD?
“AlphaID™ is an innovative, convenient way for patients to be screened for Alpha-1, which could mean earlier diagnosis and management of COPD,” said Angela Davis, M.D., Global Medical Director, Medical Affairs and Scientific Intelligence, Grifols.
Who can make a diagnosis of alpha-1?
Only a physician or healthcare provider can make a diagnosis of Alpha-1. To learn more about AlphaID™ and the importance of testing for Alpha-1, please visit requestalphaid.com.
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Is there treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin?
The only specific therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is augmentation therapy. During this therapy, preparations of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein that have been isolated from pooled blood of healthy donors are given by weekly intravenous infusion.
What does it mean if your alpha-1 antitrypsin is high?
In conclusion, higher serum alpha-1 antitrypsin levels were associated with elevations of the other inflammatory markers, lower BMI, more emphysema, rapid lung function decline, and higher mortality in COPD patients who were not alpha-1 antitrypsin-deficient.
What is the life expectancy of someone with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Life expectancy in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency With appropriate treatment, most patients would be able to live a good life with normal life expectancy, work, play sports and exercise. The symptoms and complications of liver and lung damage can be managed medically.
What is the normal level of alpha-1 antitrypsin?
Most hospital laboratories report serum alpha1-antitrypsin levels in milligrams per decimeter, with a reference range of approximately 100-300 mg/dL. Levels less than 80 mg/dL suggest a significant risk for lung disease.
Is alpha-1 a terminal illness?
Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a common inherited disease, associated with an increased risk of pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease. It is one of the most common fatal genetic disease in adulthood.
Does liver transplant cure alpha-1?
Severe infant liver failure in Alpha-1 is always treated with liver transplantation, which cures the disease by replacing the failing liver with a normal donor liver that has normal Alpha-1 genes. A successful liver transplant leads to normal blood and lung levels of normal alpha-1 antitrypsin protein.
Can you live a normal life with Alpha-1?
Many people with Alpha-1, especially those who do not smoke, do not develop serious complications. They have a normal life expectancy. Other people may develop more serious conditions as a result of the disorder. Getting the right treatment for diseases caused by Alpha-1 can help you live a longer, healthier life.
How do I live with Alpha-1?
Tips for Living With Alpha1-Antitrypsin DeficiencyTry to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking may speed up the progression of lung damage in patients with alpha-1. ... Be careful of infections. ... Try to stay away from environmental pollutants. ... Eat healthy. ... Maintain a healthy weight. ... Exercise regularly. ... Minimize stress.
Can you drink with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Avoid alcohol. Alpha-1 affects your liver as well as your lungs, so you are more likely to get liver damage than most people.
What is a positive alpha-1 antitrypsin test?
What is an alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) test? This test measures the amount of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in the blood. AAT is a protein that is made in the liver. It helps protect your lungs from damage and diseases, such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Does alpha-1 affect kidneys?
Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a hepatic stress protein with protease inhibitor activity. Recent evidence indicates that ischemic or toxic injury can evoke selective changes within kidney that resemble a hepatic phenotype.
How does alpha-1 affect the liver?
About 10 percent of infants with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency develop liver disease, which often causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Approximately 15 percent of adults with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency develop liver damage (cirrhosis) due to the formation of scar tissue in the liver .
What is the treatment for alpha 1?
Treatment. The specific therapy for the treatment of Alpha-1-related lung disease is augmentation therapy – also called replacement therapy. Augmentation therapy is the use of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein (AAT) from the blood plasma of healthy human donors to augment (increase) the alpha-1 levels circulating in the blood and lungs ...
Why do Alphas need to be tested for IgA?
Alphas who are about to start augmentation therapy should be tested for IgA deficiency, because giving repeated infusions of a plasma-derived product can lead to severe allergic reactions in people who are IgA-deficient. This is due to the small amount of IgA protein contained in each vial of augmentation therapy.
Can you give augmentation therapy to someone with emphysema?
Augmentation therapy should be given to individuals with documented emphysema and severe Alpha-1 (defined as individuals with two abnormal alpha-1 genes). There has been some controversy, however, about giving augmentation therapy to anyone whose lung disease is very mild or very severe. In some research studies conducted since the introduction ...
Can an alpha be placed in the hand?
The overwhelming majority of Alphas receiving augmentation therapy choose to have a simple IV catheter or needle placed in the hand or arm at the time of each infusion. These catheters are well tolerated; remain in place for only a short time; and the complications are minimal.
What is AlphaID test?
AlphaID is a simple, quick and completely free from ordering to results. It collects an oral sample that is used to evaluate the presence of the 14 most prevalently reported genetic mutations associated with AATD, as well as other potential variants linked to AAT protein deficiency. The non-invasive test provides individualized, ...
What is an alpha swab?
AlphaID, a cheek swab test that can help identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have the disease due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), is now available for use by U.S. physicians and healthcare providers.
What is AATD in a cell?
AATD is characterized by reduced levels in the blood and lungs of the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein, which fails to fold correctly due to genetic mutations.
Is AATD a genetic disease?
AATD, which also is known as hereditary pulmonary emphysema, is a genetic condition that has been associated with an increased risk for lung and liver diseases. Many people with this inherited condition remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, but others can develop serious, life-threatening conditions such as COPD.
Is AATD a genetic predisposition?
AATD has been recognized as a genetic predisposition factor to the development of early COPD . Still, approximately 90% of patients affected by severe AATD remain undiagnosed. Grifols has developed AlphaID to overcome this issue, and help physicians identify COPD patients who may have the disease due to AATD.
What is AlphaID genotyping?
AlphaID™ utilizes an FDA-approved genotyping assay to screen for the 14 most prevalently reported genetic mutations associated with Alpha-1, including the S, Z, F, I alleles, as well as rare and null alleles, helping detect patients who are at risk for this treatable condition.
What is the name of the free cheek swab for COPD?
Grifols introduces AlphaID™, a free cheek swab to screen for Alpha-1, the most common genetic form of COPD. Barcelona, Nov. 7, 2019 – Grifols (MCE:GRF, MCE:GRF.P NASDAQ:GRFS), a leading global producer of plasma-derived medicines and a leader in the development of innovative diagnostic solutions, has now introduced AlphaID™, a new, ...
What is the name of the test that is used to confirm genotype?
For patients who are found to have an at-risk genotype per the cheek swab results, Grifols offers an additional free test, known as AlphaID™ CONFIRM, to verify the patient’s genotype and alpha-1 antitrypsin blood level to complete the diagnosis.
Easy
AlphaID is a gentle cheek swab that takes only seconds to collect an appropriate sample.
Efficient
AlphaID screens for the 14 most prevalent mutations associated with alpha-1, including the S, Z, F, and I alleles, as well as rare and null alleles. 2
Familiar
Patients may feel comfortable knowing that the screening method is similar to that of many at-home genetic testing kits.
Completely Free
AlphaID is provided with compliments of Grifols and may not be billed to patients or their insurers.
Confidential
Results are shared only with the ordering clinician and designated office staff, because patients are first priority.
What does it mean if you have type A+ blood?
If you have type A+ blood, you have a relatively common blood type that you inherited from your parents. Your blood type is a critical factor in determining a match in the event you need a blood transfusion. If you don’t know your blood type, tell your doctor you would like to be tested.
What is the best book for blood type?
Blood type and diet. “Eat Right for Your Type” is a best-selling book that suggests you can achieve your ideal weight and be healthier by choosing a diet based on your blood type. It was written in the 1960s and is still popular today. The book suggests the following for diet for people with type A+ blood: Avoid meat.
What is the treatment for COPD?
Your treatment may include prescribed inhaled medications to control symptoms of COPD , referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation program, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids to control symptoms of flare-ups, infections or exacerbations if needed.
What is the Alpha 1 Foundation?
The Alpha-1 Foundation has information about a nationwide network of affiliated support groups for alpha-1 patients and families.
What to do if you have no symptoms?
If you have no symptoms, you may be advised to return for regular follow-ups. You should restrict alcohol consumption, get regular exercise and control your weight. You should get a flu shot every year and ask your doctor about getting a pneumonia vaccine.
Can AAT affect long term survival?
AAT deficiency may or may not affect your long-term survival. If you are diagnosed with AAT deficiency, your doctor may or may not suggest treatment based on the results of other testing and the severity of your symptoms. Patients who are diagnosed with AAT deficiency before symptoms occur usually have better outcomes than those who are diagnosed ...
