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A blood test that measures the level of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in your liver, bones, and other tissues.
{"ALP is mainly produced in the liver and bones","High ALP levels may indicate liver disease or bone disorders","The test is often part of a routine liver function panel","Results are interpreted by comparing your level to the normal range","Certain medications, pregnancy, or growth can affect ALP levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77141-0
- Short code
- ALP
- Synonyms
- ALP SerPlBld-cCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- SST (Serum Separator Tube) or red top serum tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Critical range
- 20 not specified – 500 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Colorimetric spectrophotometry using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) substrate
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27000006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 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 mainly by the liver and bones, but also by the intestines, kidneys, and placenta during pregnancy. This test helps healthcare providers check how well your liver is working and evaluate bone health.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order an ALP test as part of a routine health checkup or if you have symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, or unexplained bone pain. It is commonly included in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) or Liver Function Tests. The test helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or bones.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You typically do not need to fast before this test unless your doctor instructs otherwise. However, you should inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some can affect the results.
Understanding your results
Normal ALP levels vary based on age, sex, and blood type. Generally, the normal range for adults is about 20 to 140 IU/L (International Units per Liter), though laboratory reference ranges may differ. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health, other test results, and any symptoms you may have.
Reference range
44-147 U/Lnot specified
No fasting or special preparation usually required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the ALP test?
Can medications affect my ALP levels?
Is a high ALP level always serious?
What happens if my ALP is abnormal?
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