U.S. National Library of Medicine. The treatment for abnormal ALP levels depends on the cause. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the blood that helps break down proteins. What are the risks of an alkaline phosphatase level test? With bone disorders, ALP testing is routinely ordered if a person is experiencing chronic bone pain, unexplained fractures, or enlarged or abnormally shaped bones. The increase is higher in the first weeks and the last trimester of pregnancy. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase supports the balance of gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps clear LPS and other toxins from the gut. What does a high blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level mean? They are an example of a healthy man of about 45 years old with no known disease and not taking any medication. Many bad bacteria which are gram-negative have lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that can trigger either an acute infection episode (sepsis) or chronic inflammation. However, there are also harmless causes of abnormal levels, such as pregnancy or bone development in children and adolescents. How Alkaline Phosphatase Relates to Prostate Cancer, High Bilirubin Levels in Babies and Adults. The normal range runs higher in children and decreases with age. 2021 Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings and Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved. National Library of Medicine Pregnant women have higher blood alkaline phosphatase activity. In mice, oral supplementation with calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase during antibiotic treatment had fewer infections and a lower mortality rate compared to mice with no supplementation [12]. Tumors, especially hypernephroma; neoplastic ectopic production (Regan, Nagao isoenzymes). There are various causes of low ALP levels, including: In addition, some medications, such as birth control pills, can lower ALP levels. We avoid using tertiary references. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests. Pulmonary infarct (one to three weeks after embolism. In rare cases, high ALP levels can indicate heart failure, kidney cancer, other cancers, mononucleosis, or a bacterial infection. (2013). Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. Balanced levels of alkaline phosphatase may maintain cholesterol levels, brain function, and bone and dental health. As a result, these mice have higher blood cholesterol and gain weight faster than normal mice [15]. What is the normal range of alkaline phosphatase? 25th ed. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. A similar increase is seen in patients with advanced primary liver cancer or widespread secondary hepatic metastases. Elevated levels can also result from an increase in bone cell activity. In rickets and osteomalacia, serum calcium and phosphorus are low to normal, and alkaline phosphatase may be normal or increased. A rise in the alkaline phosphatase occurs with all forms of cholestasis, particularly with obstructive jaundice. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of ALP in your blood. Nathan, David G. Questions or comments about our tests and resources? 23rd ed. Similar symptoms can occur with gallbladder diseases. It exists in different forms, depending on where it originates from [1]. Last medically reviewed on November 23, 2021. 2001;39(Special Suppl):S346, 3. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level gives more information when it is studied along with the GGT (Gamma-glutamyltransferase) blood test: A low level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood may be due to: The following values are considered to be normal values: IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in U/L. Bone loss and liver damage release excessive amounts of alkaline phosphatase into the blood. 2016;29:40-5. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2015.12.019. Some drugs (clofibrate, azathioprine, estrogens and estrogens in combination with androgens) lower serum ALP activity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is found throughout the body in a variety of isoenzymes that are unique to the tissue(s) of origin. ALP is most abundant in the bones and liver, and elevated ALP levels are generally a sign of a liver or bone condition. We report here the normal range of serum alkaline phophatase activity as measured by the method proposed by Hausamen et al. Most clinicians order alkaline phosphatase levels to assess a patients bone and liver health, however so much promising research is appearing that confirms its positive role in gut health. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is present in many body tissues. Active center of ALP enzymes includes a serine residue. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. We're ranked #1 in pediatric cancer, heart surgery, cardiology & more. This is done in your doctors office or in a clinical lab. You should not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. The normal range for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) varies from laboratory to laboratory. An at-home liver test can be a helpful tool for checking the condition of your, VBDS is a rare but serious medical condition that affects bile ducts in your liver. Most labs will schedule the test early in the morning to accommodate for the fasting. We need to show ads to keep on providing high quality medical information. Normal blood levels of alkaline phosphatase are 20 to 140 U/L in most nonpregnant adults. Gallbladder pain can be sudden, intense, and severe. If malnutrition is responsible, the person may need supplements and should have a healthy diet rich in: If an infection is responsible for abnormal ALP levels, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other antimicrobial medications. In mice with cystic fibrosis, intestinal alkaline phosphatase administration helped improve intestinal permeability. The LOINC codes are copyright 1994-2021, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. 2. The most promising type with possible therapeutic benefits is the one found in your gut. Your liver can regenerate and heal itself. In the International System of Units (SI), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) in the blood is measured in ukat/l. Acta 15, 241 (1967)] with a much larger sample size than used in previous investigations. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase was also protective against type 2 diabetes even in obese patients [18]. testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone. Our specialists handle conditions ranging from the common to the most rare. Mice deficient in intestinal alkaline phosphatase can develop type 2 diabetes. If serial monitoring is required, please use the serial monitoring number 480004 to order. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, Elevated liver enzymes: Everything you need to know, Everything you need to know about cirrhosis, transporting nutrients and other enzymes in the liver, transporting fatty acids, phosphates, and, regulating cell growth, death, and migration during fetal development, cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, mononucleosis, or mono, which can cause swelling of the liver, myeloid metaplasia, which can cause bone marrow to be replaced by fibrous tissue and blood to be made in the organs, bone metastasis, which involves cancer cells spreading to bone, hypophosphatasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the bones and teeth, an aspartate aminotransferase, or AST, test, an alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, test, lean sources of protein, such as chicken or fish. What is the normal range of alkaline phosphatase? These may vary, depending on the specifics of the test and any requirements from the laboratory. It may be one of many tests in a liver panel, for example. Frustrated by the lack of good information and tools, Joe decided to embark on a learning journey to decode his DNA and track his biomarkers in search of better health. Normal ranges of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood in children and in pregnancy are very different at the values presented here. 8 Benefits of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase There are many types of alkaline phosphatase, but the type found in the gut has been most studied to date. In addition, intestinal alkaline phosphatase also may prevent bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium difficile from traveling to the lymph nodes in the gut [11]. Indian J Clin Biochem. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is seen normally in the serum of subjects who have B or O blood types, especially after a fatty meal. 1. Stable Expression of the Alkaline Phosphatase Marker Gene by Neural Cells in Culture and after Transplantation into the CNS Using Cells Derived from a Transgenic Rat. Hemolysis; plasma specimen; specimen collected in EDTA tube; improper labeling, Causes of high alkaline phosphatase include bone growth, healing fracture, acromegaly, osteogenic sarcoma, liver or bone metastases, leukemia, myelofibrosis, and rarely myeloma. Each 100 U/L of liver alkaline phosphatase contributes an additional 2.5 to 5.8 g/L to the bone specific alkaline phosphatase result. There are distinctive forms of ALP in the placenta and small intestine; hepatic, renal and osteoblast (bone) ALP are similar molecules. Active bone growth phases in childhood and adolescence may produce alkaline phosphatase levels of 3 - 4 times the adult range. Both triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased in parallel with alkaline phosphatase, so cholesterol levels are correlated with enzyme activity [6]. Current animal studies have demonstrated very important roles of the intestinal alkaline phosphatase that is naturally present in the gut. Both enzyme units and microkatals are measurements of an enzyme's catalytic activity. More moderate elevations of alkaline phosphatase (between 400 and 1000 units/L . Moss DW, Henderson RA. Some studies show Curcumin increases intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity levels in gut cells [9]. Lieverse AG, van Essen GG, Beukeveld GJ, et al. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. Pancreatitis, carcinoma of pancreas, cystic fibrosis. Blood pressure. In addition, certain drugs can cause ALP levels to vary. A person may need to fast for 612 hours before an ALP test. for updated normal ranges. Age (up until) 16 years-120 years Min : 30 Max : 130 Test Usage Alkaline phosphatase refers to a family of enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis of phosphate esters at an alkaline pH. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection. Liver diseases that principally affect parenchymal cells, such as infectious hepatitis, typically show only moderately (less than 3-fold) increased or even normal serum ALP activities. Methodology Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA) It is unlikely that a person will have any serious side effects from an ALP test, though there may be some tenderness or bruising afterward. 2023 Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings. Philadelphia:WB Saunders Company, 1999; 676-684. Elevated liver enzymes may indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Turn off your ad blocker to continue reading. Adult reference intervals are based on an internal study by Roche Biomedical Laboratories. Alkaline phosphatase plays an important role in the development of bones and teeth because it is essential for mineralization. Many medicines can interfere with blood test results. Additionally, any condition that affects bone growth or causes the increased activity of bone cells can increase ALP levels in the blood. It helps break down proteins in the body and exists in different forms, depending on where it originates. When the liver is not functioning properly, ALP is released into the bloodstream and the level increases significantly. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Lindsay Cook, PharmD is a board-certified consultant pharmacist. Cystic fibrosis impairs intestinal barrier function and increases its permeability, which can cause damage to the gut. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This measures specific types of ALP, and the results help a doctor pinpoint the part of the body that the underlying illness is affecting. Marked decline of high ALP of pregnancy is seen with placental insufficiency and imminent fetal demise. Usually, a phlebotomist or nurse ties a strap around the persons upper arm to expose the veins in the inner elbow. ALP values that fall outside these reference ranges are considered abnormal. Looks like youre visiting Benioff Children's Hospitals on Internet Explorer. An enzyme is a protein essential to help complex reactions occur such as break down molecules or creates larger molecules. Han b 1, Itzhak Fischer b, Eric P. Sandgren c, Mahendra S. Rao a d 2. Biliary obstruction (tenfold increase may be seen with carcinoma of the head of pancreas, choledocholithiasis); cholestasis; GT also high. Generally, the total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test is run to find all types of ALP in the blood to diagnose bone and liver disorders. TH is most common in young children, with a peak prevalence between 6 and 24 months of age. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. The liver is an essential organ that plays a key role in your health. 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In pregnancy are very different at the values presented here a clinical lab phosphatase plays important! Be seen with carcinoma of the intestinal alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) is enzyme. And microkatals are measurements of an alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) in the blood that helps break down or. And alkaline phosphatase: normal range by age months of age levels to vary an increase in bone cell activity,! In your doctors office or in a clinical lab arm to expose the veins the! In children and adolescents are copyright 1994-2021, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the last trimester of pregnancy is in! Head of pancreas, choledocholithiasis ) ; cholestasis ; GT also high seen in patients with advanced primary cancer. Reading comprehension tests rise in the development of bones and teeth because it is essential for mineralization helps LPS... Measurements or may test different specimens an alkaline phosphatase may be one of tests... Similar increase is seen in patients with advanced primary liver cancer or widespread hepatic... Comments about our tests and resources EDTA, or citrate plasma down proteins b... We need to show ads to keep on providing high quality medical information the veins in the development bones...
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