Thank you everyone for the advice as this is all new to me
It's a simple blood stick or cheek swab. It's checks for a genetic deficiency in the liver that can result in emphysema for some folks, liver damage for others and some lucky folks have both. There is an infusion therapy for those who test positive for it that can be done once a week and stops the damage. It's an important check because it clearly has implications for families, especially for kids.
If you want more information go to www.alpha-1.org That foundation is probably the best organized and most patient friendly one of all the rare diseases I know of. They have great educational materials for the whole family, great conferences and good state organizations that can provide information and support for most states.
@A MyCOPDTeam Member - I have Alpha-1.
I recommend using the old Google machine to be well informed. In my opinion, anyone with a cough should be tested. I’m amazed that they aren’t.
Finger prick, a few drops of blood on a card that gets mailed in. Free.
Thank you ! I will check that out !
I think I saw an article about Alpha 1 on this site not too long ago @A MyCOPDTeam Member. Go in the upper right hand corner of any page and click on the 3 gray lines, and then maybe on Quick Links. Or it may still be on this all activities page. If I run across it I will let you know. Good luck