Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum: Booking, Price, and Results
About Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | AGP, AAG, Orosomucoid (ORM), A1AG, Immunosuppressive Acidic Protein (IAP) |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | Overnight fasting preferred but not strictly required |
| Report Time | 23 days (sample must be submitted by the 7th of the month; report issued after 2 to 3 weeks) |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; not routinely established for those under 18 years |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,600 |
What Is an Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum Test?
The Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum test measures the level of a liver-produced protein called AGP in the blood. AGP belongs to a group known as acute phase reactants — proteins whose levels shift in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. Doctors often order this test when investigating signs of chronic inflammation, immune disorders, or certain cancers. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm, and the serum is analysed using an immunoturbidimetric method.
What Does an Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum Test Measure?
The Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein test focuses on a single key protein. The table below summarises what this protein is and why measuring it matters.
| Component | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein (AGP) | A plasma protein produced by the liver that rises during inflammation, infection, or tissue damage. It also plays a role in immune regulation and in how certain drugs bind and move through the body. |
Why Is an Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum Test Done?
Doctors order this test to assess the body's inflammatory response or to monitor known conditions over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request an Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum test:
- Persistent or unexplained fever
- Ongoing fatigue without a clear cause
- Joint pain or swelling
- Redness and visible inflammation in the body
- Unexplained weight loss
- Suspected infection or systemic illness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The AGP test can support the diagnosis or monitoring of several conditions. These include:
- Acute and chronic inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial infections
- Sepsis and systemic inflammatory states
- Certain cancers, where elevated levels may reflect disease progression
- Chronic kidney disease and early-stage uraemia (a build-up of waste products when the kidneys cannot filter properly)
- Severe liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver failure (which typically lowers AGP levels)
- Protein-losing enteropathy, a condition where proteins are lost through the gut
Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum for Chronic Disease Monitoring
AGP levels can track how inflammatory conditions are progressing over time. Rising levels may point to an active disease state, while falling levels can suggest the body is responding to treatment. Doctors may repeat this test periodically to monitor conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer during therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly helps ensure your sample is collected smoothly and that results are as accurate as possible.
Do You Need to Fast?
Overnight fasting is preferred but not strictly required. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside the Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein test, some of those may have their own fasting requirements, so check with your healthcare provider beforehand.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few practical steps to follow ahead of your appointment:
- Drink plenty of water before the test to stay hydrated
- Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or oral contraceptives you are taking, as some can affect results
- Wear a loose-fitting top or short sleeves for easy access to the arm
- Avoid strenuous physical activity on the day of collection
- Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic.
- A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in the crook of the arm, using a fine needle.
- The blood is collected into a serum separator tube (SST gel tube).
- The serum is separated from the blood cells within 2 hours of collection and the sample is centrifuged.
- The serum is stored at a refrigerated temperature (2°C to 8°C) and dispatched to the laboratory.
- At the laboratory, the sample is tested using an immunoturbidimetric method, in which anti-AGP antibodies react with the protein in your sample and the resulting reaction is measured to determine the AGP concentration.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your test result. These include:
- A recent or ongoing infection or acute inflammatory event
- Certain medications, including oestrogen-based contraceptives
- Liver function status, which directly affects AGP production
- Poor sample handling or delays in refrigeration after collection
- Severe malnutrition or recent major physical trauma
Understanding Your Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests you have had done. The table below shows general reference ranges for AGP.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein | 0.5 to 1.2 g/L (or approximately 39 to 115 mg/dL) |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A result within the normal range generally suggests no significant acute inflammation or tissue injury at the time of testing. A high result may point to acute or chronic inflammation, infection, cancer progression, or an autoimmune condition. During a strong acute-phase response, AGP levels can climb from around 0.8 g/L to as high as 3 g/L within 24 hours. A low result may suggest liver dysfunction, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, or protein-losing enteropathy.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can alter AGP readings and are worth discussing with your doctor:
- In people with morbid obesity, AGP concentrations may be altered compared with the general population.
- AGP levels may affect how certain drugs behave in the body. In patients with low AGP, some medications may reach higher concentrations in the blood, increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Burns, physical injuries, and certain tumours can elevate AGP levels independently of other conditions.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support liver function and help manage chronic inflammation:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and essential nutrients to support healthy liver function
- Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can harm the liver and disrupt protein production
- Work with your doctor to manage any known inflammatory conditions through appropriate monitoring and care
Lupin Diagnostics Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum Price and Home Collection
The Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹4,600, with home sample collection offered across many cities. The table below shows approximate prices by location.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4600 |
| CHENNAI | 4600 |
| HYDERABAD | 4600 |
| KOLKATA | 4600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4600 |
| PUNE | 4600 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein test online is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein test home collection is available across cities, allowing a trained phlebotomist to collect your blood sample at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Your digital report is delivered directly to your registered email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein is a protein made by the liver that rises sharply when the body experiences inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. Measuring its level in the blood helps doctors assess the body's inflammatory response and can support the diagnosis or monitoring of several conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Overnight fasting is preferred but not strictly required for this test. If you are unsure, follow the specific guidance given by your doctor, particularly if other tests are being done at the same time.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 23 days. The sample must be submitted by the 7th of the month, and the report is typically issued 2 to 3 weeks after that. This extended turnaround is due to the specialised batched processing used for this test.
Elevated AGP levels can occur with certain malignancies, so the test may be used as part of a wider panel when cancer is suspected or being monitored. However, it is not a standalone cancer diagnostic test and must always be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and investigations.
A low result is often associated with reduced protein production by the liver, which can occur in conditions such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver failure. It may also be seen in malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, or protein-losing enteropathy. Your doctor will assess the result in the context of your overall health.
Yes, some medications can influence your AGP levels. Oestrogen-based medicines, including oral contraceptives, are known to lower AGP levels. Always tell your doctor about every medicine or supplement you are taking before the test.
Yes, Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein test home collection is available at Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample. The sample is then stored under the correct refrigeration conditions and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Alpha 1 Acid Glycoprotein, Serum: Booking, Price, and Results
