Detection of hereditary diseases in the production of alpha-1- antitrypsin (AAT). Decreased or nearly absent levels of AAT can be a factor in chronic obstructive lung disease and liver disease. An increased prevalence of non-MM phenotypes is found with cryptogenic cirrhosis and with chronic active hepatitis (CAH). Cirrhosis in a child should raise consideration of AAT deficiency or Wilson’s disease. Diagnosis of inflammatory states, if elevated, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infection, vasculitis and neoplasia.