This test is aslo known as ALP Test, Alk Phos Test, Alkp Test.
The purpose of testing ALP is to determine if you have normal levels of this enzyme. An ALP blood test can be used for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of liver or bone diseases and other health conditions.
Screening is checking for health problems before any symptoms have occurred. This rarely measures ALP alone, but it is a standard part of multi-measurement tests such as a liver panel and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). These tests may be prescribed as part of a routine checkup to screen for a range of potential health problems.
Diagnosis is the process of finding the cause after symptoms have developed. ALP is most often tested for diagnosis when there are signs of possible liver problems, such as nausea and vomiting, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
It is also often prescribed if you have symptoms of a possible bone disorder, such as bone pain, susceptibility to bone fractures, or abnormal bone shape. ALP measurement as part of a liver panel or CMP may help identify the cause of general symptoms.
While ALP levels alone are insufficient to diagnose an underlying condition, they can be an important part of the diagnostic process. The degree of ALP elevation may reflect the type or severity of a condition. An ALP isoenzyme test to measure specific kinds of ALP can help determine the part of the body affected and assist in diagnosing the problem.
Monitoring is tracking the course of a health condition or your response to treatment. An ALP test, often as part of a panel, may be used to see if liver disease or other conditions are improving, worsening, or staying the same.
It comprises of just one test to measures the levels of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in your blood to help diagnose certain health problems. If you show signs of liver disease or a bone disorder, your doctor may order an ALP test.
When ALP is tested, it is most often part of a panel test that includes other measurements that can reflect liver and kidney health. For example, the liver panel and CMP may measure ALP as part of a routine checkup or if you have symptoms that could be caused by liver or kidney conditions.
Testing for ALP alone may be conducted when you have symptoms of a problem affecting your liver or bones. It may also help monitor your response to treatment for liver or bone diseases.
ALP isoenzyme tests are most common as a follow-up after finding abnormal levels of ALP on a prior test.
Because testing for ALP can be used in many different medical contexts, a physician can best determine when it should be prescribed.
- You may have to limit food and liquids (other than water) for 10-12 hours before the test. Some medicines interfere with the results, so make sure your doctor knows aboutall drugs you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. They’ll let you know how to manage your drug treatment before your ALP blood test.
- Tell your doctor if you're pregnant because ALP in the placenta can increase the amount of the enzyme in your blood.
- You may have to limit food and liquids (other than water) for 10-12 hours before the test. Some medicines interfere with the results, so make sure your doctor knows aboutall drugs you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. They’ll let you know how to manage your drug treatment before your ALP blood test.
- Tell your doctor if you're pregnant because ALP in the placenta can increase the amount of the enzyme in your blood.
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A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm known as "Vanipuncture".
Sample report in a format
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