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y cells. Because of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), several bodily processes are completed. The human body consists of many such enzymes responsible for essential functions. As a responsible individual, one should be aware of the functions of different enzymes in the human body. ALP is among those enzymes whose function isn’t fully understood. Medical scientists know that ALP is required for multiple functions but haven’t discovered its full potential. The amount of ALP is not uniform across the body and it is primarily found in the liver. Besides the liver, ALP can also be found in the bile duct, intestines, kidneys, and bones. In pregnant women, ALP can also be found in the placenta region. Without ALP, liver metabolism would fail badly. ALP is also required for development within the skeleton of a person.
 

The above-mentioned functions of ALP are only a few functions. There are still many functions performed by ALP in our bodies. The ALP levels in the body are a biomarker to determine the presence of several diseases like osteomalacia and hepatitis. Even though the liver and bones are the main sources of ALP, it is found throughout the body. An ALP lab test will determine the exact amount of ALP (EC Number: 3.1.3.1) enzyme in the body. There are two types of ALP tests depending on the patient’s condition. You can either take a general/basic ALP test or rely on an isoenzyme lab test. A general ALP test is a type of blood test that determines the ALP levels in the bloodstream. With the ALP isoenzyme test, you can differentiate between different alkaline phosphatases, based on where they originated. If you have abnormal ALP levels in a general test, the doctor might ask you to take an ALP isoenzyme test. Read on to understand more about Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test.


Who Should Get an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test?
 

Your doctor might suggest an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test for detecting a liver or bone disease. If you have any disorders in the bile duct, you will need Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test. ALP test is often used for screening purposes and ruling out several diseases. People undergoing treatment for liver or bone disease will also need an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test at frequent intervals. With the help of an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test, doctors can measure the impact of ongoing treatment. Sometimes, an ALP test might be included as part of the panel. It will help doctors to monitor the amount of ALP in the bloodstream. For a general check-up, you will need only a general ALP test. However, patients showing signs of liver failure or a bone disorder will need an ALP isoenzyme test for increased accuracy.
 

Why Get Tested for Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)?


When a bone disorder or liver failure starts, you need to get the ALP test as soon as possible. Diseases like hepatitis can be determined in the early stages with an ALP test. What’s the point of waiting for a condition to worsen when an ALP test can determine it in advance? Every organ is connected with other organs, and one medical condition leads to another. Studies have confirmed that abnormal ALP levels can even lead to tissue damage. If you are taking ALP tests at frequent intervals, you will get to know about the ALP levels in the body. If anything is wrong with the ALP test report, you can start preparing for it in advance. In short, you need to take an ALP test to ensure the wellness of your bile duct, liver, and bones.


When Get Tested for Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)?


The first option is to wait for a liver or bone condition to occur. Once the condition occurs and you start experiencing symptoms, you can go for an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test. You will know whether there is damage in the liver or bile duct. The second option is to take ALP tests at frequent intervals, say once a quarter or year. Doing so will make you aware of the ALP levels in the body. If anything looks wrong, you can seek proactive medical attention. People undergoing treatment for liver or bone disease need the ALP test at frequent intervals. Doctors need the ALP test reports at frequent intervals to analyse the patient’s recovery.


Sample Required


A general ALP test is a type of blood test that requires a blood sample. A small blood sample will be collected by an expert individual to perform the ALP test. For the ALP test, the blood sample is usually collected from the vein puncture. You might experience slight itching after blood is drawn from the vein puncture for an ALP test. However, there are no serious issues with blood sample collection, and lab technicians will easily collect it. After collecting the blood sample, lab technicians will perform some tests to determine the ALP levels.


Is Fasting Required Before an Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test?


Sometimes, an ALP test is a part of the CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) test. If that is the case, you will have to fast for at least 8 -10 hours before taking an ALP test. You do not have to eat anything before taking an ALP test, which is part of a CMP. Sometimes, doctors allow patients to drink some water before taking an ALP test. In some rare cases, the doctor might ask the patient to stop some medications before taking an ALP test. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking an ALP test. 

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