Alpliverserplql
A blood test that measures the level of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme mainly produced in the liver and bones, to help assess liver and bone health.
{"Measures alkaline phosphatase enzyme in blood, primarily from liver and bones","Helps diagnose liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction) and bone disorders","Results are often evaluated together with other liver function tests","Elevated levels may indicate liver problems or bone diseases","Fasting for 8-12 hours may be required before the test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43939-8
- Short code
- ALP
- Synonyms
- ALP Liver SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) 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
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometric (colorimetric) using p-nitrophenyl phosphate substrate
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 271487001
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL serum minimum
- 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
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is the Alkaline Phosphatase Test?
The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your bloodstream. ALP is produced primarily in the liver, but also in bones, intestines, kidneys, and placenta during pregnancy. This test is commonly part of a routine blood chemistry panel and helps healthcare providers evaluate the health of your liver and biliary system.
Why is this Test Performed?
Your doctor may order an ALP test to: check for liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis; detect bile duct obstructions or gallstones; evaluate bone disorders like Paget's disease or bone cancer; monitor the effectiveness of treatments for liver or bone diseases; or as part of a routine health checkup.
How is the Test Done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes only a few minutes. You may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, as instructed by your doctor. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some drugs can affect ALP levels.
Understanding Your Results
Normal ALP levels vary by age, gender, and blood type. Generally, adult normal ranges are between 20 to 140 IU/L (international units per liter), though reference ranges may differ between laboratories. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test results.
Reference range
Presentnot specified
No special preparation required; overnight fasting preferred
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does the ALP test diagnose specific diseases?
Can I eat before the ALP test?
Are there any risks with this test?
What other tests are often done with ALP?
Can medications affect ALP 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