Measurement of alpha1 antitrypsin in serum, by immunodiffusion and by enzymatic assay

Abstract

The authors describe two useful methods for quantitative measurement of α1 antitrypsin: immunodiffusion and enzymatic assay. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. In addition to these two methods, the antigen antibody crossed electrophoresis method of Laurell is widely used for qualitative recognition of the various phenotypes in the Pi system. Small amounts of α1 antitrypsin can also be estimated by the 'rocket technique' in which the α1 antitrypsin of serum is measured by electrophoresis in agarose in which α1 antitrypsin antibody has been incorporated.