Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Description: 
Colorimetric assay for the quantitative determination of alkaline phosphatase activity in human serum.
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 tumors.
Reference range: 

See Chemistry Reference Ranges Document at Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

Synonyms or keywords: 
Component of liver function profile and of bone profile.
Units: 
IU/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum
Turnaround time: 
1 day
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00 h: 07738897061
Out of hours, weekends & bank holidays: find details on Rotawatch on Trust intranet GTi, or contact via GSTT switchboard.
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

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Last updated: 08/11/2021