Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

What is alkaline phosphatase (ALP)?

It is a blood test to determine alkaline phosphatase levels. The test is performed to diagnose cholecystitis and skeletal system diseases.

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found primarily in the bones and liver.

The liver eliminates alkaline phosphatase along with the bile.

The phosphatase level testing is done to diagnose:

• cholecystitis,

• liver disorders and bone diseases.

The increase in phosphatase activity occurs in:

• hyperparathyroidism,

• vitamin D3 deficiency,

• Paget's disease,

• Cushing's syndrome,

• bone tumours,

• intra- and extrahepatic cholestasis,

• liver cancer,

• long-term treatment with furosemide.

Alkaline phosphatase - how is the test performed?

• You must attend a blood test. The collected sample goes into the EDTA tube. According to the collection procedures, the skin is disinfected and a tourniquet is applied. The injection site should be pressed after the procedure for up to several minutes.

• How long does a blood sample collection take? Several seconds (less than 20).

• If the patient is incorrectly prepared for the procedure, test results will be unreliable.

• The sample collection should be done in the morning.

How to prepare for the ALP testing?

• Refrain from drinking alcohol for 2-3 days before the test.

• Limit drinking coffee and tea for at least 12 hours before the sample collection.

• Avoid stress.

On the day of the examination:

• The patient should attend the examination on an empty stomach -  refrain from eating for about 12 hours before the appointment.

• In the morning, the patient can drink a glass of water. If possible, the blood sample should be collected before taking the morning dose of medication unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.

• Before the examination, the patient should rest for 10 - 15 minutes (in a sitting position).

• Physical exertion should be limited and moderate (walking, climbing stairs). Excessive physical effort may affect the laboratory test results.

 

When will I get my blood test results?

• The blood test results will be available within 3 working days.

• The patient can get their test results at the reception desk of the selected facility.

• Test results can also be accessed online. To access the results online, it is required to get a password available at the reception desk of the selected facility.