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What is Alkaline Phosphatase Test?
An ALP test is used to determine the levels of Alkaline phosphatase in blood. The alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme mostly present in the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and bones. ALP is also present in the placenta of pregnant women. The bones and liver are primary sources of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the blood. Thus, increased levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood indicate liver or bone damage. An ALP test could be an ALP isoenzyme or an ALP general test. Sometimes this test is also included as a part of a routine hepatic or liver panel test. These are a group of tests that are used to determine how well your liver is functioning. The ALP general test will measure the concentration of total ALP present in the blood. But, an ALP isoenzyme test can help distinguish between the different forms of ALPs in the blood and tell the source of the enzyme.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an Alkaline Phosphatase test used for?
An alkaline phosphatase test helps diagnose liver or bone diseases. The test is used to check for blocked bile ducts. Doctors may use it for liver disorders like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis. It is also possible to check for bone diseases like bone cancers, complications associated with Vitamin D deficiency, and Paget’s disease.
Understanding the test results of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test
The results of the test will vary depending on your age and sex. Teens usually have a higher ALP level because their bones are still developing. Thus, a higher ALP level may not always indicate an issue. However, you should always consult your healthcare provider to completely understand the results. Your doctor may also ask you to get an ALP isoenzyme test done to determine the source of high ALP in your blood. A zinc or magnesium deficiency can cause low ALP levels in the blood.
Why do I need to do an Alkaline Phosphatase test?
You may need an ALP test if your doctor suspects that you have a liver or bone disease. This test will help determine whether your liver or bones are functioning properly or not. If you have symptoms of liver disease like nausea, vomiting, jaundice, you may be asked to get an ALP test done.
What happens during an Alkaline Phosphatase test?
The healthcare provider will insert a needle and take a blood sample from the vein in your arm. The procedure is painless and the entire process doesn’t take more than 5 minutes.
What is a normal alkaline phosphatase level by age?
The normal values of alkaline phosphatase vary with the age and sex of an individual. Organizations usually recommend ALP values in the range of 20-140 IU/L for a healthy adult. However, this range can vary from one lab to another. Thus, you should always discuss test results with your doctor to get a correct interpretation of the results. Children and teens usually have high levels of ALP because of bone growth. ALP levels also increase in old age.
What causes alkaline phosphatase levels to be high?
Several bone, liver, and kidney diseases can cause an increase in ALP levels. Medications, lifestyle factors, birth control pills, or colon cancer can also increase ALP in the blood. An increase in ALP levels in such patients could signal that cancer may have spread to the liver.
What are the symptoms of high alkaline phosphatase?
The symptoms of high alkaline phosphatase levels will depend on whether the increase is due to a liver or bone disease. In the case of liver disease, you may experience nausea, itching, weight loss, jaundice, weakness, and stomach pain. If you have a bone disease, symptoms may include joint pain, enlarged bones and increased bone fractures. These symptoms are not always conclusive of a serious illness and you should consult your doctor before making any conclusions.
What is alkaline phosphatase a marker of?
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme commonly found in the bones and liver. Its increased levels act as markers for a liver or bone disorder. However, this may also depend on the age and sex of an individual. The detection of certain cancers also uses alkaline phosphatase as a biomarker.
Can diabetes cause high alkaline phosphatase?
High levels of alkaline phosphatase have been found in diabetic patients. However, the exact reason and cause of this increase remain unknown. Research has also revealed that bones are the source of high ALP levels in most diabetic patients.
When should I worry about alkaline phosphatase?
You should worry about ALP levels when their increase is associated with liver, bones, or gallbladder diseases. Abnormal ALP levels could also occur because of malnutrition. Thus, a proper discussion with your doctor is necessary to determine the impact of high ALP levels on your health.
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