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Sponsored by Grifols
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As healthcare providers, we know the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for our patients. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency) can be challenging to identify due to its similar presentation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Evaluating symptoms alone is not sufficient for diagnosis; genetic testing is essential.
I encourage you to screen patients for AAT deficiency with a cheek swab that is free, fast, and accurate. This important tool may help you detect this condition early—it only takes seconds and can make a significant difference in your patients’ lives. I included a short video below so you can learn more about how your patients can benefit from early detection and an AAT deficiency diagnosis.
Brian Bizik, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
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AAT deficiency can be difficult to diagnose because the condition has an identical clinical presentation with COPD and asthma1,2 In addition, AAT deficiency cannot be identified by evaluating symptoms alone.1,2-4 Detection and diagnosis of AAT deficiency requires genetic testing.2,5
Diagnosis is often delayed. The average time between onset of symptoms and accurate diagnosis is about 8 years, and often, patients see an average of 3 healthcare providers before a diagnosis of AAT deficiency is made.6
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Look beyond smoking and screen for AAT deficiency.
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Learn more about AAT deficiency
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It only takes seconds with the completely free, fast, and accurate AlphaID™ cheek swab.
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The receipt of this free testing service does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer.
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References: 1. Lascano JE, Campos MA. The important role of primary care providers in the detection of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Postgrad Med. 2017;129(8):889-895 2. Stoller JK. Myths and misconceptions about α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(6):546-550. 3. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168(7):818-900 4. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency/. Accessed July 5, 2024. 5. Data on file, Alpha-1 Genetics Laboratory. 6. Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with α1-antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. CHEST. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.
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© 2024 Grifols. All rights reserved. July 2024 US-PRL-2400117
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