Alkaline Phosphatase

Test information: A rise in ALP occurs with all forms of cholestasis, particularly obstructive jaundice. It is also elevated in bone disease e.g. Pagets disease, hyperparathyroidism, rickets and osteomalacia, as well as fractures and malignant tumours. High ALP activity is found in children and adolescents because of the increased osteoblast activity related to bone growth - increases in bone ALP of 3-4x the adult range can be seen during this time. Increases above this requires further investigation.

Specimen Type(s)

• Blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Light Green Top Microtainer BD;

Analytes

• N/A;

Part of a test profile?

Bone

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

4ml

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

Fasting is preferred but not essential for this test. Eating a meal can increase the ALP level slightly for a few hours in some people. It is usually better to do the test after fasting overnight. In this case, only water is permitted.

Maximum add on time

5 days

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

RR for Males and Females - less than 15 days - 90 - 273 - U/L RR for Males and Females - 15 days to less than 1 yr - 134 - 518 -U/L RR for Males and Females - 1 yr to less than 10 yrs - 156 - 369 - U/L RR for Males and Females - 10 yrs to less than 13 yrs - 141 - 460 - U/L RR for Female - 13yrs to less than 15 yrs - 62 - 280 - U/L RR for Male - 13yrs to less than 15 yrs - 127 - 517 - U/L RR for Female - 15 yrs to less than 17 yrs - 54 - 128 - U/L RR for Male - 15 yrs to less than 17 yrs - 89 - 365 - U/L RR for Female - 17 yrs to less than 19 yrs - 48 - 95 - U/L RR for Male - 17 yrs to less than 19 yrs - 59 - 164 - U/L RR for Males and Females - 19yrs & above - 30 - 130 - U/L

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

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