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Alkaline Phosphatase
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: ALP
Tube type: SST
Special instructions
None
Time limit for add on
3 days post collection
Please note the reference range quoted on this page is applicable to both males and females, 19 years of age and over only. For age and sex specific reference ranges please refer to report, or contact lab.
Reference range
30 - 130
Units
IU/L
Linked to
LFT and Calcium Group
Turnaround Time
1
day
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Serum ALP measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary and bone diseases and form part of the liver function and calcium profiles. Most ALP in normal adult serum is from the liver or biliary tract. Pregnant females have increased levels due to placental secretion of ALP. Elevation of ALP occurs in many disease states. Measurement of ALP is helpful in the differential diagnosis of liver disease: elevation indicates involvement of the biliary system. Normal ALP levels are elevated during periods of active bone growth due to increased osteoblast activity following accelerated bone growth, eg. in young children and adolescents. Measurement of gamma-GT may help in seeking cause of an elevated ALP: if GGT is not raised, then the source is likely to be bone. However elevated GGT does not necessarily indicate a liver origin of a raised ALP. ALP isoenzyme analysis may be helpful, but is only likely to produce useful results if ALP>140 IU/L. Bone-specific ALP may also be measured.
