Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver, bile ducts and bones. It rises when bile flow is blocked or when bones are growing or healing.
Why is this test done?
- Check liver and bile duct health
- Check bone disorders
- Part of liver function test
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Jaundice or itching
- Bone pain
- Belly pain on the right side
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High ALP points to bile duct blockage, liver disease or bone problems.
Common reasons- Gallstones or blocked bile duct
- Liver disease
- Vitamin D deficiency or bone disease
- Pregnancy and growing children (normal)
If your result is low
Low ALP is uncommon.
Common reasons- Malnutrition
- Zinc or magnesium deficiency
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.