Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Genetic Testing

Should I Be Tested?

The decision to have the test is often personal. Although health problems may require you to have the test, you are more likely to have emotional, financial, and family reasons for taking or not taking the test.

You may choose to have the test because:

• You have unexplained lung problems and want to know whether you have this condition.
• Other people in your family have AAT deficiency.
• Other people in your family have unexplained lung disease or liver disease.
• You want to take steps to protect your health if you find out you have the condition.
• You would be relieved to know that you do not have the changed gene.
• You would change your decision about having children because of test results.
• Your provincial or private health insurance would pay for the test.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 20, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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