What is ALP?
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme present in higher concentrations in the liver, bones, and kidneys and in lower quantities in the intestine, placenta, and leukocytes. It breaks down proteins into smaller units or joins smaller molecules to make a larger compound. It acts as an important marker in the diagnosis of diseases associated with the liver and bones.
ALP is the test performed to measure the alkaline phosphatase level in the blood to help diagnose and treat the disease.
How is the Test Performed?
ALP is a straightforward test performed in the laboratory.
Preparation
- Fasting is required for the test as eating or drinking elevates the ALP levels
- Inform your doctor in case you are taking any medications or food supplements as he might advise you to stop certain medications that may interfere with the test.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant as pregnancy increases the ALP levels.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the test.
Collection
- The trained phlebotomist cleans the area with antiseptic and draws the blood with a needle.
- Then the sample is placed in a vial and sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Laboratory Analysis
Once the sample is received by the laboratory, the lab technician runs the sample in an automated analyzer.
The test is simple but needs accuracy and precision.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
This test is recommended for individuals exhibiting the symptoms of liver or bone disorder affecting their overall general health condition. The symptoms are mentioned as follows;
General symptoms
- Weakness
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Fractures and bone pain
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Itchy skin
- Appetite loss
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored stool
- Bones with an unusual shape
- Joint pain
If an individual is experiencing any of these symptoms the healthcare provider recommends this test for the confirmation of the disease to start an early treatment and disease management.
What are the Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal reference ranges for the ALP test vary according to the age, gender, ethnicity, and general health condition of an individual. The generally accepted reference range is mentioned below;
- Adults (18 years and above) – 30-130 IU/l
- Children – Higher levels than normal due to bone growth and development
**The above-mentioned values are for general guidelines only and vary according to the laboratory method used and the overall health of the patient**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Abnormal ALP levels indicate that an individual’s liver, bones, and other organs are affected and need immediate medical attention and treatment accordingly. The elevated and lowered levels indicate the following disorders;
High ALP Levels indicate
- Cirrhosis
- Obstruction in bile duct
- Hepatitis
- Paget’s disease
- Osteomalacia
- Bone cancers
- Blockage in the bile duct called cholestasis
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Liver Cancer
Low ALP Levels indicate
- Malnutrition
- Vitamin B6 or zinc deficiency
- Hypophosphatasia; A genetic disorder affecting the mineralization of bones thus resulting in low ALP production.
- Anemia
When ALP abnormalities are detected, further testing is required to determine the exact cause and the disease, which involves liver function tests, biopsy, bone density scans, and imaging studies.
