Alkaline Phosphatase

What is an alkaline phosphatase test?

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of ALP in your blood. ALP is an enzyme found throughout the body, but it is mostly found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. When the liver is damaged, ALP may leak into the bloodstream. High levels of ALP can indicate liver disease or bone disorders.

Other names: ALP, ALK, PHOS, Alkp, ALK PHOS

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What is it used for?

An alkaline phosphatase test is used to detect diseases of the liver or bones.

Why do I need an alkaline phosphatase test?

Your health care provider may have ordered an alkaline phosphatase test as part of a routine checkup or if you have symptoms of liver damage or a bone disorder. Symptoms of liver disease include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
• Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen
• Dark-colored urine and/or light-colored stool
• Frequent Itching

Symptoms of bone disorders include:

• Pain in the bones and/or joints
• Enlarged and/or abnormally shaped bones
• Increased frequency of bone fractures

What happens during an alkaline phosphatase test?

An alkaline phosphatase test is a type of blood test. During the test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations for an alkaline phosphatase test. If your health care provider has ordered other blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

High alkaline phosphatase levels may mean there is damage to your liver or that you have a type of bone disorder. Liver damage creates a different type of ALP than bone disorders do. If the test results show high alkaline phosphatase levels, your health care provider may order additional tests to find out where the extra ALP is coming from. High alkaline phosphatase levels in the liver can indicate:

• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• A blockage in the bile duct
• Mononucleosis, which can sometimes cause swelling in the liver