An alkaline phosphatase （The (ALP) test determines the amount of ALP in your blood.ALP is an enzyme that occurs in many parts of your body. Every part of your body makes all kinds of ALP; the majority of ALP is found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system.
Abnormal levels of ALP in the blood are probably a symptom of numerous diseases, including liver damage, bone damage, and chronic kidney damage. However. an alkaline phosphatase no single test alone can determine the critical ALP in the blood, other tests are usually needed to make a diagnosis.
Other names: ALP, ALK, PHOS, ALKP, ALK PHOS.
What is it used for?
An alkaline phosphatase This test is often used to screen or support a diagnosis of liver or bone disease. The test is also useful for diagnosing or checking other health conditions.
Why do I need an alkaline phosphatase test?
Care providers can order an alkaline phosphatase check as part of a routine test. Almost every situation has an opportunity to affect ALP values. Therefore, analysis is often done in conjunction with other blood tests. These other tests include an extensive metabolic panel (CMP) or liver function test that checks how well the liver is functioning.
An alkaline phosphatase If there are signs of liver or bone damage, tests can still be ordered. Signs of liver disease include
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Yellow und, a condition in which your skin and pre turns yellow
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen (abdomen)
- Swollen ankles and legs
- Dark urine and/or clear stools
- Normal itching
Symptoms of bone disorders include
- Pain in your bones
- Joint inflammation and arthritis
- Abnormally formed and/or very large bones
- Fractures
What happens during an alkaline phosphatase test?
An alkaline phosphatase The test is a picture of a blood test. During the test, a care provider equipped with a small needle takes blood from a vein in the arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. Some pressure can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Preparations for an alkaline phosphatase This depends on the laboratory where the test will be run. Some labs ask you to fast for 6-12 hours (do not eat or drink) for the test. Additionally, the ALP test is usually done in conjunction with other blood tests. Usually, these tests require fasting for several hours. Your doctor will tell you if there are any special instructions you should follow.
Was there any danger in the tests?
The risk of blood tests is very small. Minor soreness and bruising may occur when the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
High alkaline phosphatase Alkaline phosphate levels may be a symptom of liver problems or bone disease. Liver problems and bone disorders can be caused by different types of alkaline phosphates. However, test results do not tell us which type of alkaline phosphate is high.
If test results show high alkaline phosphate levels, the physician may order other tests to determine the cause of the problem. These and other tests may include
- ALP isozyme test. This analysis has the ability to determine which parts of the body produce ALP. However, this test is not available everywhere.
- Liver function tests. If the results of these tests are still elevated, elevated ALP levels may be due to a liver problem.
High alkaline phosphatase It is quite possible that liver levels are a symptom.
- Obstruction of the bile ducts
- cirrhosis of the liver
- Hepatitis.
- Mononucleosis. Liver edema may result.
If alkaline phosphatase If levels are high and liver tests are normal, the problem may be a bone disease such as Paget’s disease. This disease causes abnormally large and weak bones that fracture easily.
Moderately elevated alkaline phosphate can be a symptom of many diseases, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, heart failure, or certain infections.
Alkaline phosphate levels may be higher than commonly recognized standards and may not be a disease requiring treatment. Your physician will look at your symptoms, disease status, and other test results to make a diagnosis.
Low alkaline phosphorus levels are less common. They can be a symptom of zinc deficiency, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, thyroid disease, Wilson’s disease, or hypophosphatasia, a rare genetic disease affecting bones and teeth.
Is there anything else I should know? alkaline phosphatase test?
Heavy baggage can affect alkaline phosphorus levels. Pregnancy may increase alkaline phosphate levels. ALP levels may be elevated in boys and young adults because of growing bones. Oral contraceptives and some medications can lower alkaline phosphate levels, while other medications may increase alkaline phosphate levels. This includes eating a fatty meal before the test. an alkaline phosphatase This test may result in a slight increase in ALP.
Consult your health care provider for information on what the results may mean.
Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.
