Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

An Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of ALP enzyme in the body. This test helps detect liver diseases, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and bile duct obstruction. It is done as part of routine health checkups or a liver function test to detect any liver damage.

Alkaline phosphatase or ALP is an enzyme that helps break down proteins in your body. It is found throughout the body, but mostly in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. ALP is produced in osteoblasts (cells in bones), which are involved in the formation of bones; therefore, an ALP test may also be used to detect some bone-related diseases, such as rickets, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease, and bone metastasis.

You may need an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test when you experience symptoms like stomach pain and swelling, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, bone pain, increased frequency of bone fracture, swelling in arms and/or legs, and the yellowing of the skin and eyes. This test may also be used to check the progression or treatment response of an ongoing liver disease. Usually, no special preparation is required for an ALP test; eat and drink normally as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your liver health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.