Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in many tissues, with highest concentrations in the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or bone disorders.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction).

Evaluating bone disorders (Paget’s disease, rickets, osteomalacia).

Monitoring growth in children, where naturally higher ALP levels are common.

Assessing metastatic bone disease or healing fractures.

The test is performed using a blood sample.

Analyte: Alkaline Phosphatase enzyme activity in serum.

Normal Range: ~44 – 147 IU/L (varies by lab, age, and sex).

Abnormal Findings:

High ALP: Suggests liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disease, or physiological growth in children.

Low ALP: May indicate malnutrition, hypothyroidism, or certain genetic conditions (hypophosphatasia).

Clinical Use:

Provides a marker for liver and bone health.

Helps differentiate between hepatic and bone-related causes of elevated ALP (with isoenzyme studies).

Guides further diagnostic evaluation and monitoring.