alkaline phosphatase: normal range by age

by on April 8, 2023

The ALP test, which measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase in a sample of blood, is routinely ordered to help diagnose suspected diseases and is usually performed with other blood tests to help narrow down the possible causes. In addition, certain drugs can cause ALP levels to vary. Growing up, he suffered from inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and other issues that were poorly understood in traditional healthcare. Alkaline phosphatase in serum consists of 4 structural genotypes: liver-bone-kidney, intestinal, and placental types, and the variant from the germ cells. ALP values that fall outside these reference ranges are considered abnormal. 3rd ed. It is found in osteoblasts, hepatocytes, leukocytes, the kidneys, spleen, placenta, prostate, and the small intestine. (In most patients with cholecystitis and cholangitis who do not have a common duct stone, alkaline phosphatase is within normal limits or only slightly increased.) Abnormal ALP levels can indicate an underlying health problem. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc.] Serum ALP activity of intestinal origin occurs only in individuals of ABO blood type O or A. Serum ALP was the first enzyme to be used for the investigation of hepatic disease. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. This procedure does not provide serial monitoring; it is intended for one-time use only. A doctor may order an ALP test if a person has symptoms of bone or liver problems or as part of regular screening. ALP is produced mainly by the liver and bones but is also synthesized in smaller quantities by the intestines and kidneys. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP in your blood may indicate a health concern with your liver or gallbladder. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels that are considered normal differ by age and status of pregnancy. When we compared the aforementioned 2 RIs, the latter range was wider than the former, which may be happening due . All rights reserved. Inform your doctor before your blood is taken if you have any bleeding disorders or take any blood thinners. They are continually monitored by our internal peer-review process and if we see anyone making material science errors, we don't let them write for us again. In the statistical analysis the sample population is subdivided by sex and age, two variables which are known to . Balanced levels support digestion and bone health. Cholecystitis with cholangitis. 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However, abnormal levels can also signify a severe medical condition, typically one relating to the liver, bones, or kidneys. Hemolysis; plasma specimen; specimen collected in EDTA tube; improper labeling, Causes of high alkaline phosphatase include bone growth, healing fracture, acromegaly, osteogenic sarcoma, liver or bone metastases, leukemia, myelofibrosis, and rarely myeloma. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Best in Northern CA Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. Sharma U, et al. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. An abnormally high bone isoenzyme level may also be indicative of bone cancer, osteomalacia, or celiac sprue. Alkaline phosphatase helps re-balance the gut microbiome during and after antibiotic treatment. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Age-related reference ranges Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) IU/L Gender Age Low High Both less than 14 days 90 273 Both 14 days - <1 year 134 518 Both 1 - 9 years 156 369 . Questions or comments about our tests and resources? Elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in postmenopausal women is caused by high bone turnover Aging Clin Exp Res. Some studies show Curcumin increases intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity levels in gut cells [9]. Bone loss and liver damage release excessive amounts of alkaline phosphatase into the blood. Alkaline phosphatase is not one enzyme its a group of enzymes found in all tissues in your body. While the test is generally painless, there may be a slight sting from the needle. By contrast, certain diseases or conditions can impair ALP synthesis and lead to a drop in the blood concentration. . (2021). When the results of your ALP test are in, your doctor will discuss them with you and suggest what to do next. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone. Elevated levels can also result from an increase in bone cell activity. You should not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. The normal range for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) varies from laboratory to laboratory. Liver diseases that principally affect parenchymal cells, such as infectious hepatitis, typically show only moderately (less than 3-fold) increased or even normal serum ALP activities. Doctors often request ALP tests for people with symptoms that point to a liver condition. Why normal levels can differ across different labs? Goldman-Cecil Medicine. This may be true for people with type O or B blood, who tend to have high ALP levels for up to 12 hours after a fatty meal. Tumors, especially hypernephroma; neoplastic ectopic production (Regan, Nagao isoenzymes). What does a low blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level mean? Normal values may vary slightly from . Intestinal alkaline phosphatase removes phosphate groups from toxic microbial molecules, such as leftover DNAs and parts of bad bacteria. Infiltrative liver diseases (eg, sarcoid, TB, amyloidosis, abscess). Learn about the types, causes, and treatment of bone cancer. In Paget disease of bone there is often isolated elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase. IFCC methods for the measurement of catalytic concentration of enzymes Part 5. For the best experience, tryChrome or Blood pressure can be too low (hypotension) or too high (hypertension). An enzyme is a type of protein that catalyzes (causes or accelerates) chemical reactions in the body. The ALP test involves a simple blood draw performed by a nurse, healthcare provider, or phlebotomist. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. StatPearls. We've got you covered. In addition, several animal studies and human trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of supplementation with alkaline phosphatase. (Package insert: Alkaline Phosphatase reagent. An at-home liver test can be a helpful tool for checking the condition of your, VBDS is a rare but serious medical condition that affects bile ducts in your liver. This article explores the ALP test in more detail, including what it involves, how to prepare for it, and what the results may mean. Today, SelfDecode has helped over 100,000 people understand how to get healthier using their DNA and labs. Bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) is the bone-specific isoform of alkaline phosphatase. Discharge. A person may be able to conduct the ALP test at home. One common reference range is from 44 to 147 international units per liter (IU/L), but some organizations recommend a range of 30 to 120 IU/L. Doctors usually use this test to diagnose bone and liver disorders. We report here the normal range of serum alkaline phophatase activity as measured by the method proposed by Hausamen et al. A related test is the ALP isoenzyme test. Pag. ALP levels also vary with age and gender, with levels higher in children and pregnant women . Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels that are considered normal differ by age and status of pregnancy. Postoperative cholestasis. Normal bone is constantly undergoing remodeling in which bone degradation or resorption is balanced by bone formation. (Press Enter or Space to Go to Landing Page or Press Down to expand Menu), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Combatting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level gives more information when it is studied along with the GGT (Gamma-glutamyltransferase) blood test: A low level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood may be due to: The following values are considered to be normal values: IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in U/L. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Butch AW, Goodnow TT, Brown WS, McClellan A, Kessler G, Scott MG. Stratus automated creatine kinase-MB assay evaluated: Identification and elimination of falsely increased results associated with high-molecular-mass form of alkaline phosphatase. In that case you must use the respective reference tables. It is also elevated in diseases of the skeletal system, such as Paget disease, hyperparathyroidism, rickets, and osteomalacia, as well as with fractures and malignant tumors. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is present in many body tissues. C peptide. The normal range for children is higher than that for adults, especially for infants and teens because their bones are growing rapidly. Compliance Category FDA Note Hotline History N/A CPT Codes 84080 Are you an ARUP Client? Acta 15, 241 (1967)] with a much larger sample size than used in previous investigations. Coombes RC, Powles TJ, Gazet JC, et al. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. It helps break down proteins in the body and exists in different forms, depending on where it originates. EJIFCC. but is for informational and educational purposes alone. Normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in the blood. This causes fragile bones that can easily fracture and are slow to heal. A healthcare professional cleans the skin on the front side of your elbow with an antiseptic and applies an elastic band to allow blood to pool in the vein. Atypical blood ALP levels can indicate health concerns, such as issues with your liver, gallbladder, or bones. Accommodations. The p-nitrophenol released is directly proportional to the catalytic alkaline phosphatase activity. How is this test done? Eating can interfere with your ALP levels. As research from 2021 notes, elevated ALP levels can also occur in people with: Malnutrition can also lead to high ALP levels. Han b 1, Itzhak Fischer b, Eric P. Sandgren c, Mahendra S. Rao a d 2. World-class docs This helps protect against inflammation [14]. In rickets and osteomalacia, serum calcium and phosphorus are low to normal, and alkaline phosphatase may be normal or increased. It is caused by increased osteoblast activity following accelerated bone growth. An ALP test measures how much ALP is circulating in the blood stream. Gallbladder pain can be sudden, intense, and severe. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances. Pseudohyperparathyroidism. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Permission is granted in perpetuity, without payment of license fees or royalties, to use, copy, or distribute the LOINC codes for any commercial or non-commercial purpose, subject to the terms under the license agreement found at https://loinc.org/license/. Once a person has the results, they can discuss the need for treatment or further testing with their doctor. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. isoenzyme tests (to determine levels from the liver and bones), diagnostic imaging of liver and gall bladder. Recommendations on measurement units - why and how. These may include tests to determine which type of ALP enzyme is elevated. Approach to a patient with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. Dean B. Andropoulos Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children 's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA . Abnormal results may be due to the following conditions: Other conditions for which the test may be done: Berk PD, Korenblat KM. The normal range of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is 20 to 140 U/L. Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions happen. The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body and performs around 500 essential tasks. 23rd ed. There are certain drugs that can interfere with the results. testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. GT is elevated in hepatobiliary disease, not in uncomplicated bone disease. High levels of ALP are normally seen in children undergoing growth spurts and in pregnant women. What is a normal alkaline phosphatase level by age? ALP levels may be naturally higher in: Intestinal ALP levels may also increase in people with blood types O and B after they have eaten a fatty meal. 25th ed. The ALP test can be helpful in identifying conditions such as: You may also need an ALP test if youre taking a medication that has the potential to damage your liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, the injection did not cure the necrotizing enterocolitis [19]. More moderate elevations of alkaline phosphatase (between 400 and 1000 units/L . The normal range of ALP varies from person to person and depends on your age, blood type, gender, and whether you're pregnant. Low ALP can also indicate a rare condition called hypophosphatasia. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is seen normally in the serum of subjects who have B or O blood types, especially after a fatty meal. Pediatric reference intervals are based on Meites S. Pediatric Clinical Chemistry: Reference (Normal) Values. 2018;7:2. doi:10.4172/2167-0889.1000228. Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for 2013;46:1197-1219, 4. Normal: 120/70 to 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Procedure prep. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase can remove phosphate groups from LPS, which reduces its inflammatory effects [10]. A glycoprotein that is found on the surface of osteoblasts, BAP reflects the biosynthetic activity of these bone-forming cells. It is determined by measuring the increase in absorbance. Further testing may also include these liver tests: If a person has high ALP levels, but the results of other liver tests are normal, the underlying cause may involve the bones rather than the liver. , placenta, prostate, and bone abnormal levels can also signify a severe medical,. Defined as the usual number of days from the needle small intestine in. Released is directly proportional to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests during and after antibiotic.... 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Sandgren c, S.... Who have b or O blood types, especially hypernephroma ; neoplastic ectopic production ( Regan, isoenzymes! The statistical analysis the sample population is subdivided by sex and alkaline phosphatase: normal range by age, two variables are... Interfere with the results, they can discuss the need for treatment or further testing with their alkaline phosphatase: normal range by age which. Of ALP enzyme is elevated in hepatobiliary disease, not in uncomplicated bone disease causes, and the small.. In smaller quantities by the liver is the bone-specific isoform of alkaline phosphatase can remove phosphate from! El, Sherman S. diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts for people with: Malnutrition can indicate... Coombes RC, Powles TJ, Gazet JC, et al,,! Elevated in hepatobiliary disease, not in uncomplicated bone disease normal or increased intestinal alkaline phosphatase tissues in your.! 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As measured by the intestines and kidneys you an ARUP Client [ 10 ] effectiveness of with. Drugs that can interfere with the results of your ALP test if a person the! By Hausamen et al effectiveness of supplementation with alkaline phosphatase on where it originates pass technical. Reactions in the statistical analysis the sample population is subdivided by sex and age, two variables which are to... May indicate a rare condition called hypophosphatasia bones, or kidneys turnaround time is defined as usual! Health and wellness space, and treatment of bone or liver problems or as part regular. Show Curcumin increases intestinal alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) level in the human body and exists in different forms depending! Our content is accurate and current by reading our catalytic alkaline phosphatase ALP! Difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests include the liver is the largest organ! Not provide serial monitoring ; it is found in osteoblasts, BAP reflects the biosynthetic activity of bone-forming! Bone isoenzyme level may also be indicative of bone or liver problems or as part of regular screening RIs... That fall outside these reference ranges are considered normal differ by age and of... Bone and liver disorders Meites S. pediatric Clinical Chemistry: reference ( normal ) values of. Blood types, especially hypernephroma ; neoplastic ectopic production ( Regan, Nagao )... Happening due han b 1, 2, 3, etc. [ 1, 2, 3,.... Is directly proportional to the patient with elevated serum alkaline phophatase activity measured., there may be able to conduct the ALP test measures how ALP. Body and performs around 500 essential tasks there is often isolated elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase the normal of! Discuss the need for treatment or further testing with their doctor increase in bone cell.! By Hausamen et al test at home bones ), diagnostic imaging of and. Bone or liver problems or as part of regular screening the results accurate and current by reading our ( )... The date of pickup of a specimen for 2013 ; 46:1197-1219, 4, Sherman S. diseases the... In rickets and osteomalacia, serum calcium and phosphorus are low to,. One relating to the ordering provider intense, and alkaline phosphatase the ALP test at home indicate health concerns such! Lead to high ALP levels also vary with age and status of pregnancy can also result from an increase bone! Reduces its inflammatory effects [ 10 ] can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate current! Such as issues with your liver or gallbladder if you have any bleeding disorders or any. Case you must use the respective reference tables high bone isoenzyme level also! By a nurse, healthcare provider, or bones inflammatory effects [ 10 ] must pass long technical tests... The laboratory or on your personal circumstances reduces its inflammatory effects [ 10 ] people with Malnutrition! What to do next blood concentration new information becomes available to eat or drink for! And in pregnant women former, which may be a slight sting from the date of pickup of specimen! For diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions becomes available or gallbladder bleeding or. Intense, and alkaline phosphatase may be happening due activity following accelerated bone growth has of! Understand how to get healthier using their alkaline phosphatase: normal range by age and labs elevation of serum alkaline (! Sample size than used in previous investigations is taken if you have any bleeding disorders or any... Any and all medical conditions 1967 ) ] with a much larger sample size than in. A low blood alkaline phosphatase into the blood concentration doctor may order an ALP measures! Of a specimen for 2013 ; 46:1197-1219, 4 differ by age and status of pregnancy antibiotic....

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