Pregnant women have higher blood alkaline phosphatase activity. Normal values may vary slightly from . Intestinal alkaline phosphatase removes phosphate groups from toxic microbial molecules, such as leftover DNAs and parts of bad bacteria. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is present in a number of tissues including liver, bone, intestine, and placenta. The normal range of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is 20 to 140U/L, although this can vary from lab to lab. To confirm biliary abnormality, an additional useful test is GT. The correlation coefficient of alkaline phosphatase and serum vitamin D3 levels was r =0.05 (p =0.593). Increases may also be seen as a consequence of a reaction to drug therapy, and ALT/ALP-based criteria to discriminate the type of liver injury in drug-induced hepatic toxicity have been recommended. What Is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)? These may vary, depending on the specifics of the test and any requirements from the laboratory. A rise in the alkaline phosphatase occurs with all forms of cholestasis, particularly with obstructive jaundice. Learn about the causes of cirrhosis, diagnosis, prevention, and how to. This test measures the amount of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase in your blood. The normal range of ALP varies from person to person and depends on your age, blood type, gender, and whether youre pregnant. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. Abnormal ALP levels can indicate an underlying health problem. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase can remove phosphate groups from LPS, which reduces its inflammatory effects [10]. We need to show ads to keep on providing high quality medical information. The ALP test can be helpful in identifying conditions such as: You may also need an ALP test if youre taking a medication that has the potential to damage your liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). 2016;29:40-5. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2015.12.019. Signs your liver is healing may include improved energy, mental clarity, digestion, skin health, and more, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Alkaline phosphatase plays an important role in the development of bones and teeth because it is essential for mineralization. Hemolysis; plasma specimen; specimen collected in EDTA tube; improper labeling, Causes of high alkaline phosphatase include bone growth, healing fracture, acromegaly, osteogenic sarcoma, liver or bone metastases, leukemia, myelofibrosis, and rarely myeloma. Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. A rise in the alkaline phosphatase occurs with all forms of cholestasis, particularly with obstructive jaundice. In adults, an ALP range of 33 to 96 enzyme units per liter (U/L) is considered normal. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Some of the highest levels of serum ALP are seen in Paget disease. If the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is high and the GGT is in normal range it suggests a bone disorder. 1. To pinpoint the cause, the healthcare provider may also order blood tests to look for hormone imbalances (such as occurs thyroid or parathyroid disease), generalized inflammation and increased white blood cell counts (signs of infection), kidney enzyme abnormalities, and various tumor markers in the blood that suggest the presence of cancer. ALP is most abundant in the liver and bones, and high ALP levels may stem from a health problem in these areas. Growing up, he suffered from inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and other issues that were poorly understood in traditional healthcare. Values obtained with different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. 25th ed. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 2021 Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings and Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fatty metamorphosis of liver (moderate increase occurs in acute fatty liver). In rickets and osteomalacia, serum calcium and phosphorus are low to normal, and alkaline phosphatase may be normal or increased. Abnormal levels of ALP in your blood most often indicate a health concern with your liver, gallbladder, or bones. ALP plays a role in numerous processes in the human body, and any abnormalities in blood concentrationseither high or lowmay be indicative of diseases ranging from gallstones and thyroid disease to hepatitis and cancer. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Our team comprises of trained MDs, PhDs, pharmacists, qualified scientists, and certified health and wellness specialists. High levels of ALP are normally seen in children undergoing growth spurts and in pregnant women. Nathan, David G. ALP is also secreted from the placenta during pregnancy. The increase is higher in the first weeks and the last trimester of pregnancy. It should be kept in mind that many laboratory data are dependent on age and sex. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Gallbladder pain can be sudden, intense, and severe. ALP tests play an important role in the diagnosis of liver disease. You may have to fast for 10 to 12 hours before the test. It is most abundant in the bones, liver, kidneys, and intestines. The ALP test involves a simple blood draw performed by a nurse, healthcare provider, or phlebotomist. This also causes reduced activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatase [13]. What is the normal range of alkaline phosphatase? Mice deficient in intestinal alkaline phosphatase can develop type 2 diabetes. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Alkaline phosphatase: An overview. Philadelphia:WB Saunders Company, 1999; 676-684. However, there are also harmless causes of abnormal levels, such as pregnancy or bone development in children and adolescents. Pediatric reference intervals are based on Meites S. Pediatric Clinical Chemistry: Reference (Normal) Values. What is the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) blood test used for? They also can vary with age and sex. A considerable rise in the alkaline phosphatase activity is sometimes seen in children and teenagers. In order for an ALP test to be accurate, you need to ensure that you adhere to the fasting guidelines and advise your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, nutritional, or recreational. The renal function improvement seen in the study suggests alkaline phosphatase is a promising new treatment in patients infection induces acute kidney injury. U.S. National Library of Medicine. You should not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. In that case you must use the respective reference tables. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 146. In this case, following all the instructions carefully is key. The normal range of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is 20 to 140U/L, although this can vary from lab to lab. Panteghini M, Bais R: Serum enzymes. Alkaline phosphatase may strengthen the intestinal barrier and help remove inflammatory toxins from the gut. Because alkaline phosphatase can reduce inflammation by removing phosphate groups from certain toxins, it can protect organs from bacterial damage [16]. Slightly abnormal ALP levels can occur naturally and without any underlying illness. For men and women older than age 18, an ALP level between 44 and 147 U/L is considered normal. 1. Serum intestinal ALP level increases in these individuals about two hours following consumption of a fatty meal. We're ranked #1 in pediatric cancer, heart surgery, cardiology & more. Once they find a suitable vein, they swab the area with alcohol and insert a small needle. Background: Transient hyperphosphatasemia (TH) is an often unnoticed benign entity, primarily affecting children below 5 years of age. The activity of ALP found in serum is a composite of isoenzymes from those sites and, in some circumstances, placental or Regan isoenzymes. No statistically significant influence of blood type on enzyme activity was observed. Therefore, alkaline phosphatase may not be used as a screening test to rule out vitamin D deficiency. (Package insert: Alkaline Phosphatase reagent. Checking ALP levels in the blood is a routine part of liver function and gallbladder tests. testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. The normal range of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is 20 to 140 U/L. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Hypervitaminosis D may cause elevations in alkaline phosphatase. Here to serve you Washington, DC: AACC Press; 1989:204. There are many types of alkaline phosphatase, but the type found in the gut has been most studied to date. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in all tissues in the human body but is mostly concentrated in the bones, kidneys, liver, intestines, and placenta. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels that are considered normal differ by age and status of pregnancy. Masrour Roudsari J, Mahjoub S. Quantification and comparison of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase with two methods in normal and Paget's specimens. Screening for metastases in breast cancer: An assessment of biochemical and physical methods. Methodology Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA) Consequently, serum ALP measurements are of particular interest in the investigation of 2 groups of conditions: hepatobiliary disease and bone disease associated with increased osteoblastic activity. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Alkaline phosphatase may reduce inflammation in the gut and may protect against type 2 diabetes. Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. Blood pressure. Additional information regarding LOINC codes can be found at LOINC.org, including the LOINC Manual, which can be downloaded at LOINC.org/downloads/files/LOINCManual.pdf. It improves digestion, makes your bones strong, and keeps your mind sharp. Both triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased in parallel with alkaline phosphatase, so cholesterol levels are correlated with enzyme activity [6]. Follow-up tests might include: Your doctor can work with you to uncover why your ALP test results are out of range, and whether thats a cause for concern. ISBN: 978-93-5152-333-8. There are certain drugs that can interfere with the results. Best in Northern CA Available on: Severity grading in drug induced liver injury. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) blood test is generally used to investigate for liver or bone disease. Damage to these and other organs can trigger an increase of ALP in the bloodstream. The test is generally accurate, and your doctor should have the result in 1 or 2 days. An obstruction of the liver or damage to it causes ALP levels to rise. The liver is an essential organ that plays a key role in your health. 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