Biomarker · Liver
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. What an ALP test can indicate and why results are read with other liver and bone markers.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
What ALP is
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found throughout the body, mostly in the liver and bones.
What results can indicate
According to MedlinePlus, high ALP can be a sign of liver disease or bile duct blockage, or of bone disorders. Levels are normally higher in children and teenagers because their bones are growing, and during pregnancy.
Reading it with other tests
If ALP is high, GGT helps show whether the source is more likely the liver or bone. ALP is usually part of a liver function test.
Reference ranges
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, units and methods, and depend on age, sex and your overall clinical picture. A single result is not a diagnosis — interpret it with a qualified clinician.
Factors that can affect the result
- Bone growth
- Pregnancy
- Liver and bile duct conditions
- Bone disorders
Questions people commonly ask
- Can high ALP be normal?
- Yes, in growing children, teenagers and pregnancy.
Related biomarkers
Related tests
Understand your biomarkers in context
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Alkaline Phosphatase. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.