Alpintestserplccnc
A blood test that measures the level of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced by the intestines that helps with digestion and gut health.
{"Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme made by the cells lining your intestines","This test helps doctors evaluate digestive system health and function","Elevated or decreased levels may indicate intestinal disorders or other health conditions","The test is performed on a blood sample collected from a vein in your arm","Results are typically available within a few days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1778-0
- Short code
- ALP-I, ALP-INT
- Synonyms
- ALP Intest SerPl-cCnc
- 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
- Spectrophotometry using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) substrate at 405 nm
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 31301002
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2-3 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 2-3 weeks
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of a specific type of alkaline phosphatase enzyme that comes from your intestines. Alkaline phosphatase is actually a group of enzymes found in different tissues throughout your body, including the liver, bones, and intestines. This test specifically looks at the intestinal form.
Why is it important?
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase plays several important roles in your body: it helps digest nutrients in your food, maintains the health of your intestinal lining, and helps protect against harmful bacteria and toxins in your gut. When the intestines are damaged or diseased, they may release more or less of this enzyme into your bloodstream, which can help doctors identify problems.
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 is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test unless your doctor instructs otherwise. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated.
What do the results mean?
Normal ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and individual factors such as age and overall health. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings. Both high and low levels can provide important information about your digestive health.
Reference range
0-20 U/Lnot specified
Overnight fasting preferred; nonfasting may elevate intestinal ALP postprandially (esp. blood group O/B secretors)
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What is the difference between intestinal ALP and regular ALP?
Can medications affect my test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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