ALP or Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that naturally occurs in the blood. The amount of ALP in the blood is measured by an ALP blood test. Click here for an overview of ALP, including how the blood test is performed.

Click here to learn more about the normal values of ALP and what abnormal results may indicate.

Note: As you review the resources keep in mind that it is possible to have both higher than normal ALP and lower than normal ALP levels. Each indicates a different problem.

Related Tests:

ALP is tested as part of a routine liver panel, which also includes:

• AST
• ALT
• Serum Albumin
• Serum Globulin
• Prothrombin Time
• Serum Ammonia
• Serum Bilirubin

Possible causes include:

• Cirrhosis
• Liver damage
• Blocked bile duct

Note: Elevated ALP can indicate damage in many different body parts; however if AST, ALT and bilirubin are also high elevated, ALP indicates liver damage.

Note: If ALP and calcium levels are abnormal, ALP indicates bone damage.