Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test
About ALP test
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the level of ALP in a given blood sample. ALP is an enzyme present in various body parts like the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. The presence of higher levels of ALP in your blood is an indication of liver and bone diseases. Healthcare providers use this test to monitor your risk of developing various potential health problems.
ALP test is also known as ALP, PHOS, ALK, ALK PHOS, ALKP
Functions of alkaline phosphatase
·        Maintains the cell membrane structure
·        Transportation of lipids within the intestine
·        Helps in fatty acids absorption
·        Calcification of bones and teeth
·        Functioning of many enzymes (cofactors)
An ALP test is done to determine the ALP enzyme levels in the blood. Low or high levels of ALP may lead to calcium and phosphate imbalances, which may affect liver and bone functioning. Thus, getting your ALP tested is recommended to screen for and monitor the abnormal functioning of the liver and bones.
What is an ALP test used for?
ALP test is used in the diagnosis of
Liver diseases
Bone disorders
Kidney diseases
Intestinal disorders
Arthritis
Abnormalities of teeth
What does ALP test measure?
ALP tests are mainly classified into two types, these include
General ALP
-
It measures the enzyme ALP levels in the blood. It is the most common test and is usually included in liver panel tests as a part of routine investigation.
ALP isoenzyme test
-
This test differentiates the different types of alkaline phosphates based on their origin in your body.
Who should get tested?
ALP test is recommended to be performed frequently for individuals with the following symptoms and risk factors
Jaundice
Abdominal pain
Bleeding easily
Nausea or vomiting
Frequent Itching
Having dark/light-coloured urine
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Swelling in your arms or legs
Bone pain
Frequent bone fractures
Test Preparation
Fasting for 10 to 12 hours is required before the test. During this blood test, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which is then collected in a test tube or vial. This usually takes less than a few minutes. Make sure to follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional before the test.
Interpretation of results
The normal range of alkaline phosphatase varies based on the methodology and kit used by a particular diagnostic centre. The range also differs based on age and gender.
                              Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Range
|
 Sex |
Normal Values |
|
Adult Male |
25 to 100 U/L |
|
Adult Female |
25 to 100 U/L |
|
Children/adult |
Age <2 years = 85 to 235 U/L |
|
 |
                    Age 2 to 8 years = 65 to 210 U/L |
|
 |
Age 9 to 15 years = 60 to 300 U/L |
|
 |
Age 16 to 21 years = 30 to 200 U/L |
Â
Deviation from the normal range indicates the following:
·        It is essential to know that the level of ALP may vary based on the severity of the underlying disease condition.
·        Higher levels of ALP in the liver may be a sign of liver damage. Conditions like cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, biliary atresia, biliary stricture, biliary obstruction due to cancer, cholestasis of pregnancy, and mononucleosis may indicate high ALP levels.
·        Higher levels of ALP in the bone may be a sign of severe bone diseases like Paget’s disease of the bone (osteitis deformans), Osteogenic sarcoma, osteomalacia, hyperthyroid, and hyperparathyroidism.
Lower levels of ALP may indicate malnutrition, zinc and magnesium deficiency, hypothyroidism, and rare genetic conditions, including hypophosphatemia and Wilson disease.
FAQs
What is the significance of ALP testing?
The ALP test determines the level of ALP that is produced in your body. The screening, monitoring, diagnosis, and follow-up of liver or bone diseases as well as other medical conditions can all be done with an ALP blood test.
What are the risks associated with the ALP test?
There are no known risks. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly.
What further tests I might require if I have an abnormal ALP test result?
ALP levels that are abnormal (high or low) will determine what additional tests are required. Your doctor might identify the cause of elevated ALP levels or discuss why ALP levels are low. Further tests could consist of:
Â
·        Testing for isoenzymes (to determine ALP levels from the liver and bones)
·        Vitamin and mineral levels and diagnostic imaging of the liver and gallbladder
·        Organ performance tests
What causes elevated liver ALP?
ALP levels increase in response to liver injury or blockage. Increased bone cell activity can also cause these levels to rise. As the liver and bones contain the highest concentrations of ALP, excessive ALP levels are typically an indication of a liver or bone disorder.
How long will it take to normalize my abnormal ALP levels?
It takes around 2 to 8 weeks to normalize your ALP levels. You can see better results if you stop consuming tobacco and alcohol.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics