Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme produced by different tissues in the body, including the placenta, intestine, bones and liver. High levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can occur from different causes, but mostly due to increased activity in the bone cells or liver disorder.
If the levels of different liver markers such as ALT, AST, GGT and bilirubin are high, alkaline phosphatase levels will likely be high. This may indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis, stones or other blockages in the bile duct.
If liver health markers show no abnormalities but phosphorus and calcium levels are high, high alkaline phosphatase levels may signify increased bone metabolism.
Paget’s disease (a condition that causes bone deformation) leads to the highest alkaline phosphatase levels, usually 10 – 25 times more than the normal range. Extremely high alkaline phosphatase levels may indicate bone cancer.
Moderately high levels of ALP occur in rickets in children (vitamin D deficiency) or osteomalacia. Alkaline phosphatase levels are usually higher during bone fracture repair or bone growth and in the late stages of pregnancy due to additional ALP from the placenta.
The alkaline phosphatase test is available at Private Blood Tests London. You can call us on 020 71830244 to book an alkaline phosphatase test appointment.