alkaline phosphatase (alp / alkp) Test

When you suffer a problem with your liver or gallbladder then the doctor prescribes alkaline phosphatase test to figure out the cause of the problem. Alkaline phosphatase is a kind of enzyme that is found in your body. This enzyme that is a part of a protein fosters different kinds of chemical reactions.

Their unique quality is to break down bigger molecules into smaller parts, and they can even join together to form a big structure. Though it’s the liver that is the main source of alkaline phosphatase, the bones also produce some of it.

Whenever a person faces a problem with the liver or a bone disorder, the doctor may prescribe the alkaline phosphatase test.

For analysing liver problems, a small amount of blood is drawn from the vessels. This can be done either at home or at the clinic or in the doctor’s room. For drawing a blood sample, a technician tightly ties a rubber straparound the arm so that your blood vessel is visible. Then, he draws a small amount of blood and collects it in a small tube.

Once the required blood is obtained, he draws back the needle and put a cotton swab dipped in astringent to stop any bleeding. The rubber strap is removed as well. Usually, this is a simple process and hardly takes few minutes. Though there is no risk involved a patient may feel a bit dizzy or might have some infection.

The drawn blood is then sent to the lab for diagnoses. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe more tests after analysing these reports. This alp test report helps him in diagnosing the number of enzymes in your body and how well your liver is working. The alkaline normal range varies from person to person. A medical practitioner will be able to analyse the normal levels and prescribe you medicines accordingly.

The liver not working properly is a clear indication of some problems with enzymes. This test is often advised to check the blocked bile ducts, liver cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis, bone cancer, Piget’s disease and vitamin D deficiency. The symptoms are

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling around abdominal
• Dark yellow urine
• Itching
• Loss of appetite

The doctor also prescribes the ALP test if he suspects any damage to the liver by the medicines consumed by the patient for other ailments. This way he comes to know how much damage is done to the liver. Apart from liver problems the ALP test helps in diagnosing problems like rickets (deficiency of vitamin D), Paget’s disease and softening of bones called osteomalacia.

The doctor may prescribe 10-12 hours fast before the test. Eating anymedicines may interfere with the levels, so it’s better to inform the doctor aboutany kind of medication you are having so that the exact ALP results are obtained. With the help of these results, he will tell you what the course of treatment should be.

If the reports show higher ALP levels

Higher levels are a clear indication of problems with liver, gallbladder, bones or some kind of blockage in the bile ducts. It may be because of the parathyroid gland, rickets, bone cancer, heart failure, kidney cancer or any other bacterial infection.

If the results show low levels of ALP

This is a rare case but gives an impression of malnutrition or lack of some minerals and vitamins.

Our expert panel of doctors helps you at every step, starting right from your problems until you get the medicines after all necessary tests. This facility is available at home. As soon as the patient symptoms like fatigue, weakness or yellow urine with irritation our doctor checks the patient and recommends the ALP test.

Our expert lab technician visits your home and collects samples. We deliver the best care at your doorstep. All necessary facilities like the collection of samples and delivery of reports are made hassle-free at Portea.

If you are diagnosed with a deficiency, our dietician prepares a special diet plan that helps you recover. A little change in lifestyle may also be advised depending on the ailment. For all kinds of exercises, we have a physiotherapist to decide your next plan of action.

Liver problems are best treated with medicines and an adequate diet which is in line with the diagnosis. With proper treatment, exercise and a nutritious diet, total health is targeted.