Alpfldmcnc
This test measures the level of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in various body tissues, in your body fluid or serum to help evaluate liver and bone health.
{"Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme produced mainly by the liver and bones","Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver disease, bone disorders, or bile duct obstruction","The test uses a blood sample (serum) collected from a vein in your arm","Results are typically ready within the same day or a few days","Your doctor will interpret results based on your overall health and other test findings"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1775-6
- Short code
- ALP
- Synonyms
- ALP Fld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 140
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometric assay using para-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) substrate at 405 nm wavelength
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 271546005
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7-14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days (avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles)
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your blood or body fluid. ALP is produced by various tissues in your body, including the liver, bones, intestines, and kidneys. This enzyme plays a role in breaking down proteins and helping with digestion. When tissues containing ALP release the enzyme into the bloodstream, elevated levels can signal that something is affecting these organs, particularly the liver or bones.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order an ALP test as part of a routine metabolic panel or if you have symptoms suggesting liver or bone problems. Common reasons include evaluating jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, or bone pain. It is often performed alongside other liver function tests to get a complete picture of your liver health.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick and generally causes only minor discomfort or bruising at the injection site. No special preparation is typically needed, though your doctor may ask you to fast for a short period before the test.
Reference range
No established reference rangenot specified
No fasting or special preparation required; specimen obtained by appropriate body fluid collection procedure
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
What do high ALP levels mean?
Do I need to fast before the test?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Can medications affect ALP results?
How long does it take to get 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