Alpbonemsmtserpl
A blood test that measures the bone-specific form of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced by bone-forming cells.
{"Bone alkaline phosphatase is produced by osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation","This test helps evaluate bone disorders such as Paget's disease, osteomalacia, and bone metastases","Elevated levels may indicate increased bone turnover or bone healing after fractures","The test is performed on a blood sample (serum or plasma)","Results should be interpreted alongside other bone markers and clinical findings"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109088-5
- Short code
- ALP-bone
- Synonyms
- ALP Bone Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Colorimetric (p-nitrophenyl phosphate substrate)
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 271586001
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (B-ALP) test measures the level of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase in your blood. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver and bones. The bone-specific form (B-ALP) is produced primarily by osteoblasts, which are cells responsible for building new bone. This test specifically targets this bone-derived form of the enzyme, providing more precise information about bone metabolism than total alkaline phosphatase tests.
Why is this test ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate bone health and diagnose conditions affecting bone metabolism. It is commonly used to monitor Paget's disease (a disorder causing abnormal bone remodeling), assess osteomalacia (softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency), detect bone metastases (cancer that has spread to bone), and monitor bone healing after fractures or orthopedic surgeries. The test is also useful for evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for bone disorders, such as bisphosphonates or other therapies aimed at reducing bone turnover.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed to measure the bone-specific alkaline phosphatase level. The procedure is quick and typically takes only a few minutes. You may experience mild discomfort or a slight bruise at the puncture site, but these side effects are usually temporary.
How to prepare for the test?
Generally, no special preparation is required for the bone alkaline phosphatase test. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may affect test results. Fasting is not typically required, but always follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare team. If you have recently had bone scans using radioactive tracers, inform your doctor as this may interfere with the test results.
Reference range
Males: 6.5-20.1 µg/L; Females: 4.5-16.9 µg/Lnot specified
No fasting or special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
What do high levels of bone alkaline phosphatase mean?
Is fasting required before the test?
How is bone alkaline phosphatase different from total alkaline phosphatase?
Can this test be used to monitor osteoporosis treatment?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
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