What i being tested?
The alkaline phosphatase test is a blood test that measures the levels of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the blood. This enzyme is produced by various organs, including the liver, bones, and intestines. The test can help diagnose and monitor liver and bone disorders, as well as other medical conditions. No special preparation is required for this test.
Reference Range
The normal range varies depending on age and gender. For males, the normal range is 40-115 U/L for individuals over 20 years of age. For females, the normal range is 33-130 U/L for those over 50 years of age, 33-115 U/L for those between 20-49 years of age, and a range of values for those under 20 years old (see below for details).
For males under 20 years of age, the normal range is:
Less than 1 month: 75-316 U/L
1-11 months: 82-383 U/L
1-3 years: 104-345 U/L
4-6 years: 93-309 U/L
7-9 years: 47-324 U/L
10-12 years: 91-476 U/L
13-15 years: 92-468 U/L
16-19 years: 48-230 U/L
For females under 20 years of age, the normal range is:
Less than 1 month: 48-406 U/L
1-11 months: 124-341 U/L
1-3 years: 108-317 U/L
4-6 years: 96-297 U/L
7-9 years: 184-415 U/L
10-12 years: 104-471 U/L
13-15 years: 41-244 U/L
16-19 years: 47-176 U/L
Test Description
Why should you get a ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE BLOOD TEST (ALP)?
The ALP blood test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of alkaline phosphatase in your blood. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in various tissues in your body, including your liver, bones, and intestines. The ALP test is often used to check the health of your liver and bones.
Getting an ALP blood test is essential if you're experiencing symptoms of liver or bone disease. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, jaundice, and bone pain. Your doctor may also recommend an ALP test if you're at high risk for liver or bone disease, such as if you have a family history of these conditions or if you've previously had abnormal results on liver function tests.
What happens if you don't get an ALP blood test?
If you're experiencing symptoms of liver or bone disease and you don't get an ALP blood test, your condition may go undiagnosed and untreated. This can lead to further health complications, including liver failure or bone fractures.
Additionally, if you're at high risk for liver or bone disease and you don't get an ALP blood test, you may miss the opportunity to detect and prevent these conditions early on. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your chances of recovery and prevent further damage to your liver or bones.
What will you find out from an ALP blood test?
An ALP blood test can provide your doctor with essential information about your liver and bone health. Abnormal ALP levels may indicate liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or bone disease, such as osteoporosis or Paget's disease.
However, abnormal ALP levels don't necessarily mean you have liver or bone disease. Your doctor will use the ALP blood test results in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and your medical history to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
What can you do with the information from an ALP blood test?
If your ALP blood test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend additional diagnostic tests or treatment options, depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms. For example, if you're diagnosed with liver disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to treat the condition.
It's essential to follow your doctor's recommendations closely and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your condition and ensure the treatment is working effectively.