Alkaline phosphatase & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is alkaline phosphatase?

The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level test is used to measure the level of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the blood. Most of the ALP is produced by the liver and to a lesser extent by the bones. Especially in pregnant women, ALP is produced from the placenta. Abnormally elevated ALP levels indicate liver or bone disease. In addition, abnormal enzyme levels can be had by people with malnutrition, tumors in the kidneys or severe infections. The normal range of ALP levels in each person's blood varies, depending on age, blood type and gender.

When should I take alkaline phosphatase?

The ALP test is mainly used to detect liver or bone disease. This test will be performed on patients who have symptoms of liver disease, such as:

• jaundice
• stomach ache
• gag

Meanwhile, this test will also be performed on patients who have symptoms of bone disease, such as:

• rickets
• osteomalacia
• Paget's disease
• lack of vitamin D
• bone tumor
• imperfect development of bones

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking alkaline phosphatase?

Several factors can influence laboratory findings:

• eating some time before the test can raise ALP levels
• drugs that can increase ALP, including albumin made from placental tissue, allopurinol, antibiotics, azathioprine, colchicine, floride, indomethacin, isoniazid (INH), methotrexate, methyldopa, nicotinic acid, phenothiazins, probenecid, tetracycline, and verapamil
• drugs that can lower ALP, eg arsenicals, xianua, fluorua, nitrofurantoin, oxalate and zinc salt

Observe warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have any questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before taking alkaline phosphatase?

There is no special preparation before undergoing this test. The doctor may do a clinical examination first. Consult with your doctor about certain preparations before the test. Your doctor may instruct you to fast the night before the test. Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some drugs can affect the lab findings. It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.

How is alkaline phosphatase processed?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after taking alkaline phosphatase?

Some people may experience pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain. After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual. If you have any questions regarding the test process, please consult your doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal:

• • adult: 30-120 units / L or 0.5-2.0 units / L
  • elderly: taller than adults
  • children / adolescents:

• <2 years old: 85-235 units / l
• 2-8 years old: 65-210 units / l
• ages 9-15 years: 60-300 units / l
• 16-21 years old: 30-200 units / l

Abnormal:

The index goes up

Increased ALP levels are caused by:

• cirrhosis
• extrahepatic or intrahepatic biliary obstruction
• primary or metastatic liver tumor
• intestinal anemia or infarction
• tumor that spreads to the bone
• fractures in the healing process
• hyperparathyroidism
• Paget's disease of the bone
• arthritis
• sarcoidosis
• osteoporosis
• rickets

Index goes down

Decreased ALP levels are caused by:

• hypothyroidism
• malnutrition
• milk alkali syndrome
• pernicious anemia
• decreased blood phosphate levels
• scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)
• celiac disease
• excess B vitamins in the digestive tract
• phosphate deficiency

The results of this test will be combined with the results of other tests, including physical tests to get an accurate diagnosis. You can ask the doctor for more details. The normal range for an alkaline phosphatase level test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.