An ALP blood test (alkaline phosphatase test) is conducted to diagnose a number of medical conditions. This test is used to measure the amount of the ALP enzyme in the blood. It is a simple procedure that can be used to diagnose many conditions, mainly liver conditions.
ALP Blood Test
The ALP enzymes can be found most abundantly in the liver, bone, intestines, kidneys, and placenta. The liver is the most abundant source of the ALP enzymes. The ALP blood test is conducted to measure the amount of enzymes found in the body. If the enzyme count is high it can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition. If the enzyme count is high it may be a sign that there are bone diseases, damaged cells, or other serious health conditions. An ALP test is often conducted to check for damages to the liver or liver diseases. It is often used to monitor patients that use medications that can cause liver damage.
Preparation
This test is often conducted as a regular blood test and usually no preparation is needed. However, if a follow up test is needed, you may be advised to not eat or drink anything for at least 10 hours before the test. Certain medications can interact with ALP levels therefore it is important to inform your lab technician of any medications you are taking.
Procedure
The test is conducted very similarly to other blood tests. An elastic band will be placed around your arm to stop the blood flow. This is done to allow the veins to expand and the needle to be inserted easier. The injection site is cleaned well with alcohol before the needle is inserted into the vein to collect the blood. At least one tube of blood will be collected to retrieve the ALP enzymes. After the adequate amount of blood has been collected, the elastic band will be removed for your arm to reestablish proper blood flow. As the needle is removed, a cotton ball or gauze pad will be placed over the injection site. Pressure and a bandage will be applied to stop the bleeding. The bleeding usually ceases within two minutes.
Risks
There are little risks associated with this test. The injection site can become sore and bruising may occur. There is a chance of infection if the injection site is not cleaned well. If you suffer from bleeding disorders it may take you longer to stop bleeding after the test is conducted.
References:
“Alkaline Phosphatase” July 28, 2008 WebMD.com
“ALP” Medline Plus
“ALP Isoenzyme Test” University of Maryland