Discover Everything About ALP Blood Test

An ALP blood test (alkaline phosphatase) typically measures the amount of ALP enzyme in your blood. Though the prime source of ALP is the liver, this enzyme may be present in your kidneys, intestine, pancreas, and digestive system. ALP breaks down proteins in the body and presents in various forms, depending on where it initiates. When there is a liver disease or injury, ALP may leak into the bloodstream. Alkaline phosphatase high level indicates some health issues are there in your liver, kidneys or bone.

The cost of the ALP test is Rs. 70-Rs.120. Depending on your locality, the price may vary. Please check the price of the ALP test in Delhi/NCR, your nearby centers and other details.

Test Summary for ALP Blood Test

Why Do You Need an ALP Test?” part was missing

Your doctor recommends this test to check how well your liver and gallbladder are performing or to identify the issues in your bones.

1. Liver and Gallbladder

Sometimes, your doctor refers to this ALP test as a routine examination for liver function and gallbladder tests. If you are suffering from symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, then your doctor suspects that there are some problems with your liver or gallbladder.

The ALP is beneficial in identifying certain conditions including

• Bile duct blockages (from a gallstone, inflammation, or cancer)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Certain forms of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)

If you are taking medications like acetaminophen, then also you may need to do this ALP test as the medication may damage your liver. By measuring the ALP level, your doctor checks for damage. This test is commonly performed along with other liver function tests.

2. Bones

The ALP test is also effective in diagnosing bone conditions such as

• Rickets (this is a condition where your bone gets weakened or softened. This condition is commonly found in children due to a substantial deficiency of vitamin D or calcium)
• Osteomalacia (This is softening of the bones that are commonly found in adults due to significant vitamin D deficiency. This condition is present due to the body’s inability to process and use vitamin D properly)
• Paget’s disease (This is a disease of the bone that is responsible for bone destruction and regrowth)

ALP test is also useful to diagnose the presence of cancer tumors, unusual bone growth, or vitamin D deficiency. Sometimes, your doctor recommends this treatment to progress the conditions of the above-mentioned treatments.

Preparation for the ALP Test

This is a safe and convenient blood test. This test is generally combined along with other liver and kidney function tests.

You may need to fast for 10 to 12 hours before the test. If the results are inconclusive, your doctor may repeat the test. Eating may hamper the results of your ALP levels. Medications may also impact your test results. So, inform your doctor if you are taking medications for other diseases.

Procedure of ALT Test

Once you reach a hospital or a lab, an experienced healthcare professional will collect your blood sample from your arm.

• The person will clean the site first and will identify your vein.
• Then, he will tie an elastic band to allow blood to pool in the vein.
• By inserting a needle, the person will collect your blood sample into a small tube.

The entire process takes 5-10 minutes and it’s quick and simple.

Your blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for further analysis. You may get your results either on the same day or the next day.

What do the Test Results Mean?

Alkaline phosphatase normal range is between 20 to 140 IU/L, but it may vary from one laboratory to another.

1. High Levels

If ALP is higher than normal, then there may be some problems with your liver or gallbladder. This could include a blockage in your bile duct, gallstones, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and some forms of hepatitis.

A high level may also indicate that you have some bone diseases such as rickets, Paget’s disease, bone cancer, or an overactive parathyroid gland

 In some cases, a higher level of ALP may indicate heart failure, kidney cancer, other cancers or bacterial infection.

2. Alkaline Phosphatase Low levels

Low ALP may indicate a protein deficiency or Wilson’s disease. It may also depict malnutrition due to celiac disease or an inadequate amount of certain vitamins and minerals.

Low ALP may also imply hypophosphatemia. This is a condition where your bones get fractured and are also healed slowly.