ALP | Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) concentration in serum is an informative indicator of bone and liver pathology. In the case of a mechanical blockage of bile flow, the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the serum increases significantly. This increase approximately coincides with an increase in direct bilirubin. The increase may also be associated with a process in the bones. Especially in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis can develop, with an intensified phase of bone resorption. This stimulates an increase in the concentration of alkaline phosphatase in the serum. If the process is in the liver, determining the GGT enzyme can help understand the specific clinical situation. GGT, ALP, and direct bilirubin increase in mechanical liver jaundice. The concentration of alkaline phosphatase in children is normally higher than in adults. A physiological increase in alkaline phosphatase may occur if the patient provides a blood sample immediately after eating.

Recommendations:

• It is recommended to perform prophylactically once a year; for disease diagnosis and treatment control, it is performed periodically according to a doctor's instructions.
• The test results are influenced by medications, physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
• It is necessary to arrive fasting for 12 hours before the test.