Alkaline Phosphatase
Alkaline Phosphatase
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the bloodstream. It helps in the breakdown of the proteins in the body and is present in several tissues including the liver, bone, intestine, and placenta. Measurements of alkaline phosphatase or its isozymes are used to diagnose and treating of liver, bone, parathyroid, and intestinal diseases.
| Pre-Requisites | No special requirement |
| Sample Type | Serum |
| Report Delivery (TAT) | 24 hrs |
| Method | Spectrophotometry |
Frequently Asked Questions
- This test is done as a part of liver function test.
- This test can be done if you have signs of any liver disorder like nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, or signs of bone disease like bone pain, or frequent bone fractures.
- Higher than normal levels of ALP in the blood may indicate health concerns in the liver or gallbladder. This could include a blockage in the bile ducts, gallstones, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and some forms of hepatitis.
- Low alkaline phosphatase levels may indicate hypophosphatasia, a rare genetic disease affecting bones and teeth.
ALP levels can vary for different groups. Pregnancy can cause higher than normal ALP levels. Children and teens may have high levels of ALP because their bones are growing. Certain drugs, such as birth control pills, may lower ALP levels, while other medicines can cause the levels to increase.
