Alpliver1serplql
A blood test that measures the level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme produced by the liver to assess liver and bile duct function.
{"ALP is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver and bile ducts","Elevated levels may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or bone disorders","The test requires a simple blood draw","Results are often compared with other liver function tests for accurate diagnosis","Certain medications, pregnancy, or bone growth can affect ALP levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40796-5
- Short code
- ALP
- Synonyms
- ALP Liver 1 SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 140
- Critical range
- — – 1000 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometric assay using p-nitrophenyl phosphate substrate (IFCC recommended method)
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 59621000
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Liver Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your blood. ALP is primarily produced by the liver cells (hepatocytes) and the cells lining the bile ducts. This enzyme is also produced in smaller amounts by bones, intestines, and kidneys. The liver-specific ALP test helps doctors determine whether elevated ALP originates from the liver or from other tissues, providing important information about liver and biliary system health.
During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. No special preparation is typically required, though your doctor may ask you to fast for a short period depending on other tests being performed simultaneously.
Reference range
Negativenot specified
No special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated liver ALP levels may indicate conditions such as hepatitis (viral or alcoholic), cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction (cholestasis), gallstones, or liver tumors. Moderate increases can also occur in certain medications, including statins, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants. Low ALP levels are less common but may be seen in malnutrition, zinc deficiency, or certain genetic disorders.
Since ALP exists in multiple tissue types, doctors typically interpret ALP results alongside other liver function tests (such as ALT, AST, GGT, and bilirubin) to determine whether the source is hepatic or non-hepatic. For example, elevated ALP combined with high GGT suggests liver origin, while elevated ALP with normal GGT may indicate bone involvement.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a liver ALP test?
Are there any risks from this test?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can lifestyle affect ALP levels?
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