Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Serum

The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is used as part of a routine Liver function test or when there are symptoms of liver or bone disorders. The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is used to screen and monitor treatment for liver and bone disorders. In liver damage, the liver cells release high levels of ALP into the blood. The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is often used to detect blocked bile ducts where ALP levels are high. The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is also used to detect bone disorders. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are affected in conditions that affect bone growth or in conditions that lead to increased activity of bone cells. The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is used to diagnose and monitor treatment in pagets disease or other conditions like vitamin D deficiency. If ALP isoenzyme testing along with a GGT test and/or a test for 5-nucleotidase can differentiate and confirm the cause of elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels which can be seen in both liver and bone disorders.

1. What other tests are done to evaluate liver disorders?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, albumin and total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and prothrombin time (PT), etc are done additionally to evaluate liver disorders.

2. What are the risk factors for liver disease and/or damage?

Exposure to hepatitis virus, Heavy drinkers, hepatotoxic drugs, congestive heart failure, metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, obesity, Wilson disease or hemachromatosis.

3. What other tests are done to evaluate a bone disorder?

Calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, or bone markers, imaging techniques like X-ray and MRI.