Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Serum (Total)
This test measures the level of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in your blood that helps break down certain compounds. It can help identify conditions affecting bone or liver health.
["Alkaline phosphatase levels may signal issues in bone growth, liver function, or other metabolic processes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53578-1
- Short code
- ALP intestinal ratio
- Synonyms
- ALP Intest 2 CFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Enzymatic assay measuring intestinal alkaline phosphatase isoform and total alkaline phosphatase activity with calculated ratio
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 314255001
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of venous blood
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 24-48 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days; frozen (-20°C) for longer storage
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for problems like bone disorders (e.g., rickets, Paget’s disease), liver disease, or other conditions affecting enzyme production. It’s also sometimes used to monitor treatment progress for these conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods for a short time if directed by your provider. Bring any recent medications to your appointment.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general range for healthy adults, but individual ranges can vary. High levels may suggest liver or bone issues, while low levels might indicate certain metabolic disorders or bone diseases.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as liver disease, bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism), or certain cancers that affect bone metabolism.
Reference range
0-20%not specified
Fasting preferred; postprandial elevation of intestinal fraction common especially in blood group O/B secretors
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Serum Alkaline Phosphatase
Frequently asked questions
What causes alkaline phosphatase levels to be higher than normal?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or medications affect alkaline phosphatase levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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