If you have COPD, have you been tested for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited genetic disorder that is rarely identified, but is really not very rare.  1 out of every 2,500 people in the USA has the most severe form of AATD, leaving them vulnerable to serious and life-threatening lung and liver disease.  Alpha-1 lung disease may look like COPD, but it is different in terms of its cause, its usual location at the base of the lungs, and the fact that it runs in families. Approximately 1 in every 25 people in the USA carries one allele for AATD, and can develop lung disease, especially if they smoke.  Free, anonymous testing for AATD is available:  http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/alphaoneregistryOLD/test_kit.htm