What it means
An enzyme found in many tissues, most of all the bile ducts of the liver and growing or healing bone. It is part of liver function testsLIV-er FUNK-shun TESTSA group of blood tests that check how well the liver is working and whether its cells are damaged.Full entry . It rises when bile flow is blocked, as by gallstones or a tumor, and in some liver diseases. It also rises with bone growth and repair, so it is normally higher in children and teens and in late pregnancy, and it can rise with healing fractures and bone diseases.
At a glance
| Normal range | Adults about 30–120 units/L [about 0.5–2.0 µkat/L]. Each lab sets its own range; children and pregnant women run higher. |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | ALP; alk phos |
| Also written | ALP, alk phos |
Related terms
bilirubin
A yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down, which the liver clears into bile.
liver function tests
A group of blood tests that check how well the liver is working and whether its cells are damaged.