Fetal/Lung/Lymphocyte Alkaline Phosphatase
A blood test that detects specific forms of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme (the fetal, lung, and lymphocyte types) to help your doctor evaluate certain medical conditions.
{"This test measures specific forms of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your blood","It helps doctors check for certain cancers, liver conditions, or other diseases","The test requires a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm","Results are reported as 'present' or 'not detected'","Your doctor will explain what your specific results mean for your health"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43731-9
- Short code
- ALP ISO
- Synonyms
- ALP Fetal+Lung+Lymphocyte SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Colorimetric enzymatic assay using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) substrate or automated chemistry analyzer with isoenzyme separation techniques
- CPT
- 84075 (Alkaline phosphatase; each isoenzyme)
- SNOMED
- 274872006 (Alkaline phosphatase measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2-3 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): several weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Fetal/Lung/Lymphocyte Alkaline Phosphatase test is a blood test that looks for specific types of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Alkaline phosphatase is found throughout the body, but this test specifically checks for three particular forms: the fetal type, the lung type, and the lymphocyte type. These specific forms are normally present in very small amounts or not at all in healthy adults, so detecting them can provide important medical information.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test to help diagnose or monitor certain conditions. The presence of fetal alkaline phosphatase in adults may be associated with certain types of cancer, particularly testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, or other germ cell tumors. It may also be used to evaluate liver conditions, bone disorders, or to help distinguish between different types of tissue damage in the body. Your healthcare provider will determine if this test is appropriate based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory where special tests are performed to detect the presence of the fetal, lung, and lymphocyte forms of alkaline phosphatase. The actual blood draw usually takes only a few minutes and is generally well tolerated. You may experience slight discomfort or a small bruise at the puncture site, but serious complications are rare.
How should I prepare for this test?
Your doctor will provide specific instructions. In general, you may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for several hours before the test, as food can affect some test results. Certain medications and supplements can also influence alkaline phosphatase levels, so inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/Lnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detection of fetal alkaline phosphatase in adults may indicate certain malignancies, particularly germ cell tumors such as testicular cancer or ovarian cancer. Elevated levels may also be associated with other conditions including liver disease, bone disorders, or certain inflammatory conditions. Lung and lymphocyte alkaline phosphatase forms may provide additional diagnostic information. The presence and quantity of these specific enzyme forms help healthcare providers in diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of certain diseases. Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if the test result is 'present'?
Is the test result 'not detected' normal?
Can this test detect cancer?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy