Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Description: 
Alkaline Phosphatase measured by colorimetric assay using the Roche 8000 - c702 analyser
Clinical details: 
ALP is present in most organs of the body and is particularly associated with membranes and cell surfaces located in the small intestine, the kidneys, in bone (osteoblasts), liver and placenta. It exists in multiple forms some of which are true isoenzymes.
Elevations in serum ALP activity commonly originate from the liver and bone. A considerable rise in alkaline phosphatase activity is sometimes seen in children and juveniles. It is caused by increased osteoblast activity following accelerated bone growth.
Related condition or disease: 
Hepatobiliary disease - obstruction of the the biliary tree induces the synthesis of ALP by the hepatocytes, some of which enters the circulation. The increase in enzyme activity tends to be greater (more than threefold) in extrahepatic obstruction than in intrahepatic obstruction and the increase is proportional to the completeness of the obstruction.
Advanced primary liver cancer or widespread hepatic metastases.
Bone disease such as Paget’s disease, hyperparathyroidism, rickets and osteomalacia, and also fractures and malignant tumours.
Reference range: 

0-1 years 126 - 524

1-3 years 129 - 291

3-6 years 134 - 346

6-9 years 156 - 386

9-11 years MALE 120 - 488, FEMALE 116 - 515

11-13 years MALE 178 - 455, FEMALES 93 - 386

13-15 years MALES 116 - 483, FEMALES 62 - 209

15-18 years  MALES 58 - 237, FEMALES 45 - 130

19+ years  30 - 130

Synonyms or keywords: 
Component of liver function profile and of bone profile
Units: 
IU/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
King's College Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum
Turnaround time: 
1 day
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
SST
Contacts:
Clinical Biochemistry - Blood Sciences at King's College Hospital
020 3299 4126
King's College Hospital
Bessemer Wing
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at King's

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Last updated: 16/05/2021