Alkaline Phosphatase

Category:

Alkaline Phosphatase

Description

This test is prescribed to monitor results of treatment for liver or bone disorder.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme. Different kinds of this protein are present on different parts of the body.   The different forms of ALP are called isoenzymes.  ALP is found especially in bone cells and liver cells. Smaller amounts of ALP are present in the placenta and in the bowels.

Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.

Purpose of the test

The measurement of the ALP protein concentration in blood is import to determine whether a person has certain types of liver disease.

Very high ALP levels can mean that bile ducts are blocked. ALP is also high in persons who have cancer that has spread to the liver or the bones. If the person recovers from the illness, ALP levels decrease.

ALP is generally proposed as part of a set of test in order to determine liver or bone disorder.

Reference range values

Person over 18 years old :      37 – 116 U/L

Below 18 years old (U/L) :

Male:
1D-30D         75 - 316
31D-365D     82 - 383
1Y-3Y          104 - 345
4Y-6Y           93 - 309
7Y-9Y           86 - 315
10Y-12Y       42 - 362
13Y-15Y       74 - 390
16Y-18Y       52 – 171

Female:
1D-30D              48 - 406
31D-365D           124 - 341
1Y-3Y                108 - 317
4Y-6Y                96 - 297
7Y-9Y                69 - 325
10Y-12Y             51 - 332
13Y-15Y             50 - 162
16Y-18Y             47 – 119

Abnormal findings

High ALP levels usually can mean:

·         Bone or liver damage.

o       If bilirubin test, AST test, or ALT test are also high it can mean liver damage.

o       If calcium and phosphate measurements are abnormal it can mean bone damage.

·         Use of psychiatric drugs.

ALP levels are higher during pregnancy and childhood.