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Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry
Test Name:
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (ALP), WRHA & Westman Lab (ROCHE) - (P)
Test Code: ALK
Clinical Information:
Test Indications:  Serum alkaline phosphatase consists of four structurally similar enzymes (isoenzymes) depending where it is produced: liver-kidney-bone type, intestinal, placental and germ cell. The liver-kidney-bone type is particularly important. It is elevated in liver disease, disorders of the skeletal system, with fractures, and malignant tumors. Alkaline phosphatase activity is also seen in children and juveniles due to osteoblast activity associated with accelerated bone growth.
ALP testing is used for diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of liver, bone, intestinal and parathyroid diseases.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.2 mL

Stability 7 days refrigerated, 2 months frozen
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)
Requisition:
Reference Values:
0 - 12 mo: 117 - 353 U/L                             
13 mo - 10 y:    70 - 258
11 - 16 y:    59 - 422
≥ 17 y:    30 - 120
 
Note:  Reference ranges are specific to instrumentation/site where testing performed.  For testing performed at different sites (other than WRHA & Westman Labs), please refer to the appropriate Lab Information Manual (LIM) entry.
 
In pregnant females 15 - 50 y:  twice normal in 3rd trimester.
Patients with low alkaline phosphatase levels:  A low level can occur in various medical conditions and may be a marker for hypophosphatasia, a now potentially treatable disorder of bone mineralization.  For further information please contact the metabolic geneticist on call through HSC paging (787-2071).
Availability:
Stat or Routine
See Also:
More Information: