The ALP test measures the level of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the bloodstream. This test requires a simple blood draw and is usually done as a common part of other blood tests.

If the amount of ALP in the blood is abnormal, such a condition indicates a problem in one of the parts of the liver, gall bladder, or bones. Of course, other factors such as malnutrition, kidney cancer tumors, intestinal problems, pancreas problems, or severe infection also play a role in the abnormal ALP level.>

The normal range of ALP varies from person to person. The range of normal ALP values ​​depends on age, blood group (blood type), gender and pregnancy.

The normal range for testing blood serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level is between 20-140 IU/L. This range is obtained according to the information of natural sources.. Of course, these ranges vary from one laboratory to another.

The normal range in children is at a higher level.... With age, this range is at a lower level.... The best way to know the normal and abnormal range is to discuss the test results with the doctor.

What is the ALP or alkaline phosphatase test?

ALP is one of the enzymes found in the blood.... This enzyme has different forms and helps break down proteins.... The form of this enzyme depends on where it is created.

Liver is one of the main sources of ALP... Of course, this enzyme is also present in bones, intestines, pancreas and kidney.... In pregnant women, ALP is created in the fetus.

What is the reason for performing the alkaline phosphatase level test?

The ALP test is used to determine the optimal function of the liver or gallbladder... In addition, this test is also used to diagnose bone diseases.

1) Liver and Gallbladder

Checking the level of ALP in the blood is one of the common parts of liver and gallbladder function evaluation tests.... Symptoms such as yellow skin, abdominal pain, and nausea give the doctor the impression that your liver or gallbladder is damaged.

ALP test is useful for diagnosing some diseases:

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Cirrhosis (creating liver ulcers)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• obstruction of the bile ducts (caused by gallstones, inflammation, cancer)

Also, if you are taking medications that have the potential to cause liver damage, you should have an ALP test. Measuring ALP levels is one way to check for this damage. This test is usually done along with other liver function tests.

2) bone

The ALP test is also useful for diagnosing bone diseases:

• Rickets (rickets)
  The softening or weakening of the bones in children, which generally occurs due to a severe deficiency of vitamin D or calcium.
• Osteomalacia
  softening of bones in adults due to a severe lack of vitamin D.
  Of course, the body's inability to break down and use vitamin D correctly also leads to this disease.
• Paget's disease of bone
  A disease that causes serious disorders in the field of bone growth and destruction.

In addition, the ALP test is useful for checking the presence of cancerous tumors, abnormal bone growth, and vitamin D deficiency. In addition, the progress of treatment for each of these diseases is also evaluated with the help of this test.

How should you prepare for the ALP exam?

Donating blood is a common way to test for ALP... This test is usually combined with other liver and kidney function tests.

Performance of this test may require fasting for 10-12 hours before the test. However, it does not require any other preparation before the test.

If the test results are inconclusive, the doctor may order more tests.... Diet can interfere with the results obtained for ALP levels.. Medicines can also change ALP levels.. So be sure to share the names of the medications you are taking with your doctor.

How is the ALP level test done?

In the ALP test, a healthcare worker takes a small sample from your arm. This test can be done at home or in the doctor's office.

The person who is responsible for the test cleans the skin inside the elbow with an antiseptic and puts a flexible band on it. By doing this, the volume of blood stored in the veins increases.

A needle is then inserted into the vein, so that the received blood is stored inside a small chamber.... This process is very quick and causes very little pain or discomfort.

View more: list of best hematology specialist

What are the risks of alkaline phosphatase level testing?

Collecting blood for types of blood tests is associated with a series of risks....for example, there is a possibility of bruising around the sampling site....however, applying pressure to this area prevents such injuries.

In very rare and rare cases, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) may also occur...

If you have bleeding problems or use blood thinners, be sure to tell your doctor before taking blood.

What do the results of alkaline phosphatase test mean?

Once the ALP test results are ready, your doctor will discuss them with you and inform you of the next steps.

High levels of alkaline phosphatase

Alp level higher than normal in the blood is a sign of liver or biliary diseases. Among these diseases, we can mention hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, gallstones and obstruction of the bile ducts.

High levels of ALP may also be a sign of bone problems... Among these diseases, we can mention things like rickets, Paget's disease, bone cancer or hyperparathyroidism.

Rarely, high ALP levels indicate heart failure, kidney cancer, other cancers, mononucleosis, or bacterial infection.

Low level of alkaline phosphatase

Lower than normal ALP levels rarely occur.... This condition can be a sign of malnutrition.... Celiac disease or the lack of certain vitamins and minerals is considered the cause of this malnutrition.

Dear ones, to get information about the ALP test, you can use the guidance of gastrointestinal and liver specialist doctors.... Also, click on the site to perform this test.