Alkaline Phosphatase

Contents:

Medical Video: Alkaline Phosphatase

Definition

What is alkaline phosphatase?

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level test is used to measure the level of alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the blood. Most ALP is produced by the liver and a small portion of it by bone. Especially for pregnant women, ALP is produced from the placenta. An abnormal increase in ALP levels indicates liver or bone disease. In addition, abnormal levels of enzymes can be possessed by sufferers of malnutrition, kidney tumors or severe infections. The normal range of ALP levels in each person's blood varies, depending on age, blood type and gender.

When should I undergo alkaline phosphatase?

The ALP test is mainly used to detect liver or bone disease. This test will be performed on patients who have symptoms of liver disease, such as:

  • jaundice
  • stomach ache
  • gag

Meanwhile, this test will also be performed on patients who have symptoms of bone disease, such as:

  • rickets
  • osteomalasia
  • pagetosis
  • vitamin D deficiency
  • bone tumor
  • imperfect development in bone

Prevention & warning

What should I know before undergoing alkaline phosphatase?

Several factors can influence laboratory findings:

  • eating a few moments before the test can increase ALP levels
  • drugs that can increase ALP, including albumin made from placental tissue, allopurinol, antibiotics, azathioprine, colchicine, fluoride, indomethacin, isoniazid (INH), methotrexate, methyldopa, nicotinic acid, phenothiazin, probenecid, tetracycline and verapamil
  • drugs that can reduce ALP, such as arsenicals, xianua, florua, nitrofurantoin, oxalate and zinc salt

Pay attention to warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing alkaline phosphatase?

There is no special preparation before undergoing this test. The doctor may conduct a clinical examination first. Consult with doctor about certain preparations before the test. Your doctor may instruct you to fast the night before the test is done. Make sure you tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking because some types of drugs can affect the lab findings. You are recommended to use short-sleeved clothing to make it easier to take blood samples from your hands.

What is the process of alkaline phosphatase?

The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:

  • wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
  • clean the part to be injected with alcohol
  • inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
  • attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
  • remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
  • attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
  • put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage

What should I do after undergoing alkaline phosphatase?

Some people may feel pain when a syringe is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will gradually disappear when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the expertise of the nurse, the condition of the arteries, and a person's sensitivity to pain. After going through the process of taking blood, wrap your hands in a bandage. Press the vein slowly to stop bleeding. After doing the test, you can do activities as usual. If you have questions about the test process, please consult a doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of Test Results

What do the test results mean?

Normal:

    • adults: 30-120 units / L or 0.5-2.0 lugs / L
    • elderly: higher than adults
    • children / teenagers:
  • age <2 years: 85-235 units / l
  • age of 2-8 years: 65-210 units / l
  • ages 9-15 years: 60-300 units / l
  • age of 16-21 years: 30-200 units / l

Abnormal:

Index rises

Increased ALP levels are caused by:

  • cirrhosis
  • extrahepatic or intrahepatic biliary obstruction
  • primary or metastatic liver tumors
  • intestinal anemia or infarction
  • tumor that spreads to the bone
  • fractures during the healing process
  • hyperparathyroidism
  • Paget's disease of the bone
  • arthritis
  • sarcoidosis
  • osteoporosis
  • rickets

Index falls

Decreased ALP levels are caused by:

  • hypothyroidism
  • malnutrition
  • milk alkali syndrome
  • pernicious anemia
  • decrease in blood phosphate levels
  • skorbut (lack of vitamin C)
  • celiac disease
  • excess vitamin B in the digestive tract
  • phosphate deficiency

The results of this test will be combined with the results of other tests, including physical tests to get an accurate diagnosis. You can ask the doctor for more information. The normal range for testing alkaline phosphatase levels can vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Discuss with your doctor if there are questions about your test results.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Alkaline Phosphatase
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