|
|
Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library |
|
  ALPDefinitionThis is a blood test that measures the amount of the enzyme ALP (alkaline phosphatase). Alternative Names Alkaline phosphatase How the Test is PerformedBlood is drawn from a vein or from a capillary on the heel, finger, toe, or earlobe. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the serum from the cells. The ALP test is done on the serum. How to Prepare for the TestFast for 6 hours. Your health care provider may advise you to discontinue drugs that may affect the test, such as:
Why the Test is PerformedAlkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in all tissues. Tissues with particularly high concentrations of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, placenta, and bone. Damaged or diseased tissue releases enzymes into the blood, so serum ALP measurements can be abnormal in many conditions, including bone disease and liver disease. Serum ALP is also increased in some normal circumstances (for example, during normal bone growth) or in response to a variety of drugs. There are multiple varieties of ALP, called isoenzymes. Different types of isoenzymes, each with different structures, are found in different tissues (for example, liver and bone ALP isoenzymes have different structures) and can be quantified separately in the laboratory. To differentiate the location of damaged or diseased tissue in the body, ALP isoenzyme testing must be done. Normal ResultsThe normal range is 44 to 147 IU/L (international units per liter). Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. They also can vary with age and gender. What Abnormal Results MeanHigher-than-normal ALP levels may indicate:
ConsiderationsThe ALP levels vary with age and gender. It is normal for young children experiencing rapid growth and for pregnant women to have high levels of ALP.
Review Date:
6/1/2005 Reviewed By: Aniket R. Sidhaye, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
|
|
|
