Alpboneserplql
A blood test that measures bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced by osteoblasts that helps evaluate bone formation and turnover.
{"Bone alkaline phosphatase is a marker of bone formation","It is produced by osteoblasts (bone-building cells)","Commonly used to monitor osteoporosis treatment and bone disorders","Elevated levels may indicate increased bone turnover","Often compared with other bone markers for comprehensive assessment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40797-3
- Short code
- B-ALP or Bone ALP
- Synonyms
- ALP Bone SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 7.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzymatic colorimetric assay using para-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) substrate or similar spectrophotometric method
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 387713003
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): several weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The bone alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) test measures the amount of a specific form of alkaline phosphatase that comes from bone. While regular alkaline phosphatase can come from liver, bones, intestines, and other organs, this test focuses specifically on the bone-derived form, providing more precise information about bone metabolism.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test, though your doctor may provide specific instructions. The test is typically part of a larger panel evaluating bone health.
Why is bone alkaline phosphatase important?
Bone alkaline phosphatase is produced by osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone. When these cells are active, they release more bone-specific alkaline phosphatase into the bloodstream. Therefore, this test serves as a biological indicator of how quickly your body is forming new bone tissue.
Reference range
Negativenot specified
No special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
What do high levels mean?
Can this test diagnose osteoporosis?
How often should this test be repeated?
Are there factors that can affect the results?
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