Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the body. ALP is an enzyme that is found throughout the body. Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions take place. They assist smaller molecules in merging and turning into bigger molecules and even break bigger molecules into smaller parts.

The areas that this enzyme is primarily found include the liver, bones, intestines and kidneys. The amount of ALP in your blood can be high if your liver isn’t functioning well. Many other body parts also rely on ALP to operate well.

The alkaline phosphatase test is an easy blood test that doesn’t require much preparation. The level of ALP varies from individual to individual. It can differ depending upon the age, gender and blood type of a person.

Doctors or healthcare professionals can prescribe this test if you have symptoms of a bone disorder or liver damage. Some symptoms include jaundice, weakness, vomiting, frequent itching, enlarged bones and abdominal pain. It can also be prescribed if the doctor feels that an individual has a condition affecting their kidneys, intestine or bones.

Many healthcare professionals also prescribe alkaline phosphatase tests as part of regular check-ups. When it comes to this test, high amounts of ALP can be found even in individuals showing no symptoms.

In India, one in five people gets affected by liver diseases. Each year, over 10 lakh patients with liver cirrhosis get diagnosed in the country. The common causes of this liver problem include alcohol-induced liver damage, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Osteomalacia is a bone disorder that is exceedingly rampant yet immensely ignored in the country. Another prevalent disorder in India is malnutrition. Despite numerous efforts from various governments in the past, malnutrition remains a silent emergency in the country. That is why some children in India might get super low levels of ALP if tested.

Liver Cancer, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Paget’s Disease, Bone Disorders, Bile Duct Disease

The alkaline phosphatase test measures the level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the bloodstream. When your liver or bones aren’t functioning well, the ALP level in your body tends to increase. Abnormal levels of ALP in the body can reflect disruption of normal processes or damage to tissue.

An individual may need an alkaline phosphatase test if they’re at risk for a condition that affects their liver, bones or intestine, amongst other things. So, whenever a person shows symptoms of any liver or bone disease, the doctor prescribes this test. The ALP test can help diagnose hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, bile duct disease and more.

Here are some of the symptoms of liver or gallbladder disease that compels doctors to prescribe an alkaline phosphatase test.

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent itching
• Weakness

This test is also helpful in diagnosing bone diseases or problems like rickets, Paget’s disease, and osteomalacia. Here are some of the symptoms of bone disorders.

• Pain in the joints or bones.
• Enhanced frequency of bone fractures.
• Abnormally shaped bones.

The alkaline phosphatase test is prescribed to individuals of all ages and genders.

A random alkaline phosphatase test is used to diagnose liver diseases and bone disorders, amongst other things. If the ALP level is high, then the doctor may prescribe an ALP isoenzyme test.

The reason is the isoenzyme test. It helps determine whether ALP in your blood is coming from your bones or liver. Doctors generally prescribe the test as a part of the routine check-up or if any particular symptoms show up. Usually, they do not recommend another round of alkaline phosphatase tests to individuals.

Before the Test

Prior to undergoing the alkaline phosphatase test, it is essential to fast for 10-12 hours beforehand. This fasting period is crucial in order to obtain accurate test results. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking any test to know if there are any specific restrictions to be followed.

During the Test

A phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in your arm for the sample. Your experience will likely involve:

• Disinfecting the site where the needle will be inserted with an antiseptic.
• Wrapping a tourniquet around your arm to make the veins more visible.
• Inserting a disposable needle into the vein to collect the blood. This process may cause minor discomfort from the needle and could take a few seconds.
• Placing the sample in a small container or test tube labelled with your test information.

After the Test

Once the Blood Sample is Collected:

• Applying a bandage to the site where the needle was inserted to prevent any bleeding.
• You may feel slightly sore or lightheaded, which is normal and nothing to be concerned about. You may be advised to rest for a few minutes.
• Contact your doctor if you experience any bleeding, discomfort, or rashes at the puncture site.

An alkaline phosphatase test measures alkaline phosphatase, a type of enzyme that is present in the body. The measurement of this test is international units per litre or (IU/L). It is a standardised measurement used by laboratories across the world. The alkaline phosphatase test values tell if ALP levels are above or below the normal range.

The range of ALP amongst individuals varies with age, gender and blood type. ALP levels in teenagers and children can be high as their bones are still developing. 

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

The results of an alkaline phosphatase test become available on the same day as the test. The test results will show you the range of your alkaline phosphatase levels. The normal range can vary from laboratory to laboratory. But usually, the normal range is between 20-140 UI/L.

Elevated ALP (>140) can indicate liver or bone diseases, amongst other kinds of problems. However, high ALP isn’t always a cause for concern. ALP levels can be elevated in pregnant women, growing children and older adults. Interpretation of high or elevated alkaline phosphatase levels can involve consideration of the following factors:

• Degree of elevation
• Overall Health
• Other enzyme test measurements like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

In exceedingly rare cases, elevated or high alkaline phosphatase can also indicate heart failure or bacterial infection.

Low levels of alkaline phosphatase (<20) are comparatively rare. It can indicate malnutrition, hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiency.

Regardless of your results, it’s vital to discuss them with a doctor or healthcare professional. If your alkaline phosphatase levels are high, then the doctor might recommend additional tests. One test that often gets recommended by doctors is the ALP isoenzyme.

For recommending the next steps in an individual’s medical care, doctors take into account the symptoms, health history and the results of other similar tests.