As part of its effort to provide patients with comprehensive health care services, the Allergy & Asthma Center, 2445 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, will offer a free screening program to test for alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, sometimes called Alpha-1. Screenings will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals should call the office at 717-393-1365 to schedule an appointment.

Alpha-1 is a rare genetic (inherited) condition. It may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease at any age, and it is the No. 1 known genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Alpha-1 testing is recommended by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the COPD Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Patients who might consider this screening include those with COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis; asthma that does not respond well to treatment; a family history of AAT deficiency; or a family member with one of the previously listed diseases.

For more information, visit http://www.allergydoctors.com.