Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
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Enzyme from liver and bones; elevated in bile obstruction, bone disease, or metastases.
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🧪 Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) |
Sample Type | Blood (serum or plasma) |
Fasting Required? | ❌ Not mandatory (may be included in fasting panels like LFT or bone profile) |
Normal Range | 44 – 147 IU/L (can vary slightly by age, gender, lab) |
🧠 What Is ALP?
ALP is an enzyme found in many tissues, most notably in the:
- Liver (especially bile ducts)
- Bones
- Placenta (in pregnancy)
- Intestines (minor amounts)
It helps break down proteins and plays a key role in dephosphorylation reactions.
🩺 Why Is ALP Measured?
The ALP test is primarily used to:
- Evaluate liver function
- Detect bile duct blockage
- Assess bone metabolism and growth
- Screen for liver or bone disorders
🏥 Organs Involved
Organ | Relevance |
|---|---|
Liver | Elevated in bile duct obstruction, liver disease |
Bone | Elevated in bone growth, fractures, or bone diseases like Paget's |
Placenta | Normal rise during pregnancy |
📊 Interpretation of ALP Levels
ALP Level | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
Mild Elevation | Fatty liver, medication use, healing fractures |
Moderate Elevation | Hepatitis, bone healing, mild cholestasis |
Marked Elevation | Bile duct obstruction, bone disease (Paget’s), metastasis, liver tumors |
Low Levels | Malnutrition, zinc deficiency, hypothyroidism, Wilson’s disease |
🔍 ALP Isoenzymes (Advanced)
- ALP fractionation can identify the source (bone vs liver)
- Liver ALP rises with GGT in cholestasis
- Bone ALP rises with normal GGT but high calcium/ALP in bone diseases
🔗 Recommended Associated Tests
Test | Why It’s Helpful |
|---|---|
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) | Helps confirm liver vs bone source of ALP elevation |
AST, ALT, Bilirubin | Complete Liver Function Test (LFT) |
Serum Calcium & Phosphorus | Evaluates bone turnover |
Vitamin D | Essential for bone health |
PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) | In cases of bone pain or calcium imbalance |
🧒 Age Factor in ALP
- Higher in children and adolescents due to bone growth
- Mild elevation during pregnancy is also normal (placental ALP)
✅ Summary Table
Test Name | Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) |
|---|---|
Function | Enzyme involved in bone/liver metabolism |
Target Organs | Liver, Bones, Placenta |
Elevated In | Liver obstruction, bone growth or disease, pregnancy |
Decreased In | Zinc deficiency, hypothyroidism, some genetic conditions |
Next Tests If High | GGT, calcium, phosphorus, LFT, Vitamin D, PTH |
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