Alplungserplccnc
A blood test that measures the level of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body.
{"ALP is mainly produced in the liver and bones","High levels may indicate liver disease, bone disorders, or other conditions","Low levels are less common but can indicate malnutrition or certain genetic disorders","The test is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein","Results are often interpreted together with other liver function tests"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12806-6
- Short code
- ALP
- Synonyms
- ALP Lung SerPl-cCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/Gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometry using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP) substrate at 405 nm
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 271450004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2-3 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C): several weeks
- 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 this enzyme in your blood. Alkaline phosphatase is produced by various tissues in the body, including the liver, bones, intestines, and kidneys. The test is commonly used to evaluate liver function and detect bone disorders.
Why is this test performed?
Your healthcare provider may order an ALP test to: check for liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis; detect bone disorders like Paget's disease, osteomalacia, or bone cancers; monitor the effectiveness of treatment for liver or bone conditions; or investigate the cause of symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, or bone pain.
How is the test done?
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. You typically do not need to fast before this test, though your doctor may instruct you to do so depending on other tests being performed.
Understanding your results
Normal ALP levels vary by age, sex, and blood type. High ALP levels may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disorders, or certain medications. Low ALP levels are less common and may be seen in malnutrition, zinc deficiency, or rare genetic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and other test results.
Reference range
44-147 U/Lnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the ALP test?
What can cause a false high ALP result?
Is the ALP test dangerous?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my ALP is abnormal?
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