ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase). Prices, Reviews, Ratings
When testing for ALP levels, it must be considered that this enzyme’s activity accompanies not only pathological deviations but is also physiologically characteristic of pregnancy, childhood, and menopause.
When testing for ALP levels, it must be considered that this enzyme’s activity accompanies not only pathological deviations but is also physiologically characteristic of pregnancy, childhood, and menopause.
What is ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) belongs to the hydrolase class, catalyzing hydrolytic reactions of phosphate monoesters in the human body. It is present in cell membranes of many tissues, primarily localized in the hepatobiliary and skeletal systems, intestinal epithelium, and placenta (during pregnancy).
Indications for ALP Testing
Although present in various organs and tissues, ALP forms detected in human blood serum mainly originate from the liver or bones.
The ALP parameter is used to diagnose osteodystrophies, bone tumors, bile duct obstructions, liver diseases, renal neoplasms, and infectious mononucleosis.
Elevated levels are characteristic of Paget’s disease, osteomalacia, Gaucher’s disease, hyperparathyroidism, rickets, fracture recovery, osteosarcoma, cirrhosis, liver necrosis, liver cancer, hepatitis, tuberculosis, parasitic infections, and cholangitis. Elevation also occurs with calcium or phosphate deficiencies and certain medications.
Reduced levels are seen in osteosynthesis disorders, achondroplasia, cretinism, hypothyroidism, protein or ascorbic acid deficiencies, and zinc or magnesium shortages, as well as with some pharmaceuticals.
How ALP Testing Is Conducted
A specialist draws venous blood. Citrates, oxalates, fluorides, and EDTA cannot be used as anticoagulants, as they suppress ALP activity. The serum fraction is separated from blood cells within two hours of collection. The sample must show no hemolysis signs.
Test kits for quantitative ALP measurement are used manually or with automated analyzers, employing a kinetic method with 4-nitrophenylphosphate (reagent-1) and diethanolamine (reagent-2) as substrates. ALP accelerates the cleavage of reagent-1, transferring a phosphate group to reagent-2, producing free 4-nitrophenol (reaction product).
ALP catalytic activity is proportional to the reaction product amount, measured photometrically at a 405 nm wavelength.
Reference ALP levels in human blood at 37°C are (U/L): men – < 270, women – < 240.
Analytical sensitivity ranges from 3–7 U/L. Clinical diagnosis should not rely on a single test but on comprehensive clinical-laboratory assessments.
Completion Time for ALP Testing
With trained staff and proper lab equipment, results take 15–30 minutes. Automated testing enhances efficiency and reduces turnaround time.
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