ALP

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme present in many parts of the body, but it is primarily found in the liver, bones, intestine, and kidneys.

ALP testing measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. Abnormal levels of ALP can be caused by liver or bone conditions and other types of health problems.

ALP can be tested alone, but because many conditions can affect ALP levels, it is common to test it alongside other enzymes, such as in a liver panel test, to obtain more information about the most likely cause of abnormal results. An ALP isoenzyme test can identify the part of the body where ALP in the blood originated, but this testing is complex and not widely available.