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What is an ALP test?
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.
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What does it mean to have an abnormal ALP?
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:
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Possible causes/diagnosis:
Possible causes include:
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.
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Science Links
Healthy Liver Function
Understanding the Liver
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