Alkaline Phosphatase Level Test

This test measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase.

An ALP test may determine the quantity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in your blood. This test is often included with other blood tests and only takes a simple blood collection.

Problems with the liver, gallbladder, or bones are the most common causes of abnormal ALP levels in the blood. On the other hand, they can be signs of severe illness, intestinal problems, pancreatic issues, kidney malignancy, or malnutrition.

Age, gender, blood type, and pregnancy status determine an individual's typical ALP range.

The typical range for blood ALP levels in healthy persons, according to a 2013 study review, is 20 to 140 IU/LTrusted Source; however, this may differ from one laboratory to another.

When compared to older individuals, the typical range is lower in youngsters.

You should talk to your doctor about the findings to know what's typical. They can understand the lab's unique results and reference ranges.

Tell me about alkaline phosphatase.

Enzyme ALP is present in your circulation (Reliable Source). Its origin determines its shape, but it aids in protein breakdown in the body.

Some of your body's ALP comes from your bones, intestines, pancreas, and kidneys, but the liver is a major contributor. The placenta is responsible for producing ALP in pregnant women.

The purpose of testing for alkaline phosphatase is unclear.

If you are concerned about your bones or want to know how your gallbladder and liver are doing, an ALP test may help.

The digestive organs

Liver and gallbladder testing sometimes includes checking blood ALP levels. If you have symptoms like jaundice, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or gallbladder problems, your doctor may detect a medical issue.

When used properly, the ALP test may reveal if you have:

Gallstones, inflammation, or cancer may clog the bile ducts.

Cholecystitis, often known as gallbladder inflammation

liver scarring, also known as cirrhosis

a few kinds of gallbladder inflammation

Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or any drug with hepatotoxic potential may also need an ALP test. In conjunction with other liver function tests, measuring ALP is one approach to look for this kind of damage.

Bones

The ALP test is useful for the identification of bone problems like:

Rickets, a condition characterized by bone weakening or softening in children, is often caused by a severe lack of vitamin D or calcium. Osteomalacia, on the other hand, is characterized by bone softening in adults and is often caused by a severe lack of vitamin D. Still, it can also be caused by an impaired body's ability to absorb and utilize vitamin D.

Bone disease, namely Paget's disease, is a major cause of worry regarding bones' breakdown and regeneration.

Vitamin D insufficiency, abnormal bone development, or cancerous tumors may all be better understood using ALP testing. Additionally, it may be used to monitor therapy advancement for any of the ailments above.