Why is this procedure done?
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in body tissue. Most alkaline phosphatase is made in the liver and bones. A smaller amount is made by the intestines, kidneys, and placenta. This test is done to see how much alkaline phosphatase is in your blood. ‚
The doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Look for liver problems like hepatitis or problems with the bile ducts
- Check for problems with your bones like tumors, Paget disease, or rickets
- See how well treatments for bone or liver problems are working
- Help find cancers that have spread to the bone
- Check if any drugs you are taking are damaging your liver
- Go along with other tests to check how well your liver is working
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your liver and bones are likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have a problem with your liver or bones.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking, including herbal and over the counter or OTC drugs.
- Any bleeding problems
- Whether or not you should avoid eating or drinking 6 to 8 hours prior to the test.
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your liver or bones. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/alp/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚