ALP

Also known as: ALK PHOS; Alkp

Formal name: Alkaline Phosphatase

Related tests: AST; ALT; GGT; Bilirubin; Liver panel; 5'-nucleotidase; Bone markers; Alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes; Bone specific ALP

Common Questions

What other tests are used to evaluate liver disorders?
Who is at risk for liver disease and/or damage?
What other laboratory tests may be done if I have a bone disorder?

1. What other tests are used to evaluate liver disorders?

Other commonly used liver tests include more enzymes found in liver cells, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). A test for bilirubin, a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells and removed from the body by the liver, may also be done. Sometimes these tests are performed together as a liver panel.

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2. Who is at risk for liver disease and/or damage?

Some of those who are at risk of liver disease include the following:

People who have been exposed to hepatitis viruses
Heavy drinkers
People who take medication that can be toxic to the liver or who are exposed to other liver toxins
Those who are obese, have metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance
People with an inherited disorder affecting the liver such as Wilson's disease or hemachromatosis

See the article on Liver Disease for more on these.

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3. What other laboratory tests may be done if I have a bone disorder?

Depending on the cause, your condition may be diagnosed and/or monitored using other tests such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, or bone markers - a group of tests used to measure bone formation and bone resorption.

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