LAB TEST
ALP isoenzyme test
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in many body tissues such as liver, bile ducts, bone, and intestine. There are several different structural forms of ALP called isoenzymes. The structure of the enzyme depends on where in the body it is produced. This test is most often used to test ALP made in the tissues of the liver and bones. The ALP isoenzyme test is a lab test that measures the amounts of different types of ALP in the blood. The ALP test is a related test.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
How to Prepare for the Test
Many medicines can interfere with blood test results. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.
Why the Test is Performed
When the ALP test result is high, you may need to have the ALP isoenzyme test. This test will help determine what part of the body is causing higher ALP levels. This test may be used to diagnose or monitor: Bone disease Liver , gallbladder, or bile duct disease Pain in the abdomen Parathyroid gland disease Vitamin D…
Normal Results
The normal value for total ALP is 44 to 147 international units per liter (IU/L) or 0.73 to 2.45 microkatal per liter (µkat/L). ALP isoenzyme testing may have differing normal values. Adults have lower levels of ALP than children. Bones that are still growing produce higher levels of ALP. During some growth spurts,…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Higher-than-normal ALP levels: Biliary obstruction Bone disease Eating a fatty meal if you have blood type O or B Healing fracture Hepatitis Hyperparathyroidism Hyperthyroidism Leukemia Liver disease Lymphoma Osteoblastic bone tumors Osteomalacia Paget disease of bone Sarcoidosis Lower-than-normal levels of ALP:…
References
Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gall bladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 146. Korenblat KM, Berk PD. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine .…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 20/06/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.