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Alkaline Phosphatase
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: ALP
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)
Special instructions
None
Time limit for add on
3 days post collection.
Please note: The reference range quoted is applicable to both males and females 19 years of age and over only. For age and sex specific reference ranges please refer to report, or contact lab.
Reference range
30 - 130
Units
IU/L
Linked to
LFT and Calcium Group
Turnaround Time
1
day
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Serum ALP measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary and bone diseases and form part of the liver function and calcium profiles.
Most ALP in normal adult serum is from the liver or biliary tract. Pregnant individuals have increased levels due to placental secretion of ALP. Elevation of ALP occurs in many disease states.
Measurement of ALP is helpful in the differential diagnosis of liver disease: elevation indicates involvement of the biliary system. Normal ALP levels are elevated during periods of active bone growth due to increased osteoblast activity following accelerated bone growth, e.g. in young children and adolescents. Measurement of gamma-GT (GGT) may help in seeking the cause of an elevated ALP: if GGT is within the reference range, then the source is likely to be bone. However elevated GGT does not necessarily indicate a liver origin of a raised ALP.
ALP isoenzyme analysis may be helpful where ALP is persistently elevated with a normal GGT and replete vitamin D, but is only indicated if ALP >200IU/L due to the qualitative nature of the test. Bone-specific ALP may also be measured in certain clinical scenarios.
Webpage updated: February 2026.
