Sorted By Test Name - Mayo Medical Laboratories

A2M
9270
AAMY
82866
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, Serum
Clinical Information: Alpha-2-macroglobulin is a protease inhibitor and is 1 of the largest plasma
proteins. It transports hormones and enzymes, exhibits effector and inhibitor functions in the development
of the lymphatic system, and inhibits components of the complement system and hemostasis system.
Increased levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin are found in nephrotic syndrome when other lower molecular
weight proteins are lost and alpha-2-macroglobulin is retained because of its large size. In patients with
liver cirrhosis and diabetes, the levels are found to be elevated. Patients with acute pancreatitis exhibit low
serum concentrations which correlate with the severity of the disease. In hyperfibrinolytic states, after
major surgery, in septicemia and severe hepatic insufficiency, the measured levels of
alpha-2-macroglobulin are often low. Acute myocardial infarction patients with low
alpha-2-macroglobulin have been reported to have a significantly better prognosis with regard to the >1
year survival time.
Useful For: Evaluation of patients with nephrotic syndrome and pancreatitis
Interpretation: Values are elevated in the nephrotic syndrome in proportion to the severity of protein
loss (lower molecular weight). Values are low in proteolytic diseases such as pancreatitis.
Reference Values:
100-280 mg/dL
Clinical References: 1. McMahon MJ, Bowen M, Mayer AD, Cooper EH: Relation of
alpha-2-macroglobulin and other antiproteases to the clinical features of acute pancreatitis. Am J Surg
1984;147:164-170 2. Haines AP, Howarth D, North WR, et al: Haemostatic variables and the outcome of
myocardial infarction. Thromb Haemost 1983;50:800-803 3. Hofmann W, Schmidt D, Guder WG, Edel
HH: Differentiation of hematuria by quantitative determination of urinary marker proteins. Klin
Wochenschr 1991;69:68-75 4. Solerte SB, Adamo S, Viola C, et al: Acute-phase protein reactants pattern
and alpha 2 macroglobulin in diabetes mellitus. Pathophysiological aspects in diabetic microangiopathy.
La RIC Clin Lab 1994;14:575-579 5. Silverman LM, Christenson RH, Grant GH: Basic chemistry of
amino acids and proteins. In Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. 2nd edition. Edited by NW Tietz.
Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, 1990, pp 380-381
Alpha-Amylase, IgE
Clinical Information: Clinical manifestations of immediate hypersensitivity (allergic) diseases are
caused by the release of proinflammatory mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins) from
immunoglobulin E (IgE)-sensitized effector cells (mast cells and basophils) when cell-bound IgE
antibodies interact with allergen. In vitro serum testing for IgE antibodies provides an indication of the
immune response to allergen(s) that may be associated with allergic disease. The allergens chosen for
testing often depend upon the age of the patient, history of allergen exposure, season of the year, and
clinical manifestations. In individuals predisposed to develop allergic disease(s), the sequence of
sensitization and clinical manifestations proceed as follows: eczema and respiratory disease (rhinitis and
bronchospasm) in infants and children less than 5 years due to food sensitivity (milk, egg, soy, and wheat
proteins) followed by respiratory disease (rhinitis and asthma) in older children and adults due to
sensitivity to inhalant allergens (dust mite, mold, and pollen inhalants).
Useful For: Testing for IgE antibodies may be useful to establish the diagnosis of an allergic disease
and to define the allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. Testing also may be useful to
identify allergens which may be responsible for allergic disease and/or anaphylactic episode, to confirm
sensitization to particular allergens prior to beginning immunotherapy, and to investigate the specificity of
allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Interpretation: Detection of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater) indicates an increased
likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies and defines the allergens that may be
responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. The level of IgE antibodies in serum varies directly with the
concentration of IgE antibodies expressed as a class score or kU/L.
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