ALP

About Test

The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) assay measures the levels of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver, bones, and bile ducts. This test plays a critical role in diagnosing liver and bone disorders. Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver disease, bone disorders such as osteoporosis or Paget's disease, or bile duct obstruction. Conversely, low ALP levels are less common but could be associated with malnutrition, hypophosphatasia, or certain genetic conditions. Doctors often include ALP testing as part of routine liver function panels or to monitor bone health in patients undergoing treatment for bone-related conditions.

Sample Requirements

Gold SST Tube

Stability

Serum: 7 days 4-25°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Assay Interferences

Interferences

Icterus: < 10% or 9U/L up to 28mg/dL or 479umol/L bilirubin

Haemolysis: < 10% or 9U/L up to 4.5g/L haemoglobin

Lipemia: < 3% or 9U/L up to 1,000mg/dL intralipid

Reference Range (IU/L):

<1 month: 90.0-260.0 / 1 month - 3 years: 90.0-180.0 / 3-10 years: 130.0-260.0 / 10-14 years: 130.0-340.0 / 14-18 years: 30.0-180.0 / Adult >18 years: 30-130

Known factors:

Decreased ALP

Problem: Incorrect container or anticoagulant
Caused by: K-EDTA contamination

Critical Value:

Not Applicable