Alpbonecfrserpl
A blood test that measures alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels, used to evaluate liver function and bone health.
{"ALP is an enzyme found in liver, bones, intestines, and kidneys","Elevated levels may indicate liver disease or bone disorders","The test requires a simple blood draw, usually after fasting","Results are often compared with other liver function tests","Both bone-specific and total ALP can be measured"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15013-6
- Short code
- ALP bone/total ratio
- Synonyms
- ALP Bone CFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 40
- Ref high
- 129
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Method
- Enzymatic colorimetric assay using p-nitrophenyl phosphate substrate
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 308441006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7-14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme naturally produced by various tissues in your body, including the liver, bones, intestines, and kidneys. This blood test measures the amount of ALP in your bloodstream. Your doctor may order either total ALP (all forms combined) or bone-specific ALP, which measures the portion that comes specifically from bone-forming cells called osteoblasts.
Why is this test performed?
Your healthcare provider may order an ALP test to: check liver function and detect liver diseases such as hepatitis or gallstones; evaluate bone disorders including Paget's disease, osteomalacia, or bone metastases; monitor treatment effectiveness for bone or liver conditions; or investigate unexplained symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, or bone pain.
How to prepare for the test
Typically, you may need to fast (not eat or drink except water) for 8-12 hours before the test, as food can affect ALP levels. Inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, as some drugs can influence test results. Certain supplements containing zinc or vitamin D may also affect results. The test involves drawing a small blood sample from a vein in your arm.
Understanding your results
Normal ALP ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory. Higher than normal ALP levels may indicate liver problems (such as gallstones, hepatitis, or cirrhosis), bone disorders (like Paget's disease, bone healing, or certain cancers that have spread to bone), or other conditions. Lower than normal ALP is less common but may relate to malnutrition, zinc deficiency, or hypothyroidism. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with other test findings and your overall health.
Reference range
40-129 U/Lnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a high ALP always mean disease?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to stop taking medications before this test?
What happens if my bone-specific ALP is high?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy