Alkaline phosphatase blood test
Normal Reference Range
0 – 0.5Yrs = 57 – 265U/L
0.5 – 10Yrs = 100 – 360U/L
10 – 17Yrs = 100 – 450U/L
>17 Yrs = 25 – 115U/L
Test Information
ALP is normally found everywhere, but it is most abundant in the tissues of the liver, bile ducts, bones, and intestines. Increased ALP turnover as a result of organ/tissue injury or increased production as a result of growth cycles (bone isoenzyme), pregnancy (placental isoenzyme), or metastasis are all associated with leakage into the vasculature.
Both physiological and pathological factors can increase ALP.
Clinical Indications
• Vitamin D deficiency. Bone pain, for investigation of increased bone turnover (e.g., osteomalacia)
• Liver impairment
• Differential diagnosis: liver vs. bone causes (see ALP isoenzymes.) Consider also, GGT assay
• Chronic conditions with malabsorption which can lead to severe vitamin D deficiency
Sample Required
5mL serum sample tube is required for Alkaline phosphatase blood test
Min. sample volume
0.5mL
Special Instructions and Precautions
Not applicable
Time Limits For Retrospective Testing
Not applicable
Any factors affecting the test
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
3 hours
Referral centre (if applicable)
Not applicable
Test Code
BONE, LFT or APIS