ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE

Alkaline Phosphatase in serum consists of 4 structural Genotypes: Liver-Bone-Kidney, intestinal, and placental types, and the variant from the Germ Cells. It is found in Osteoblasts, Hepatocytes, Leukocytes, the Kidneys, Spleen, Placenta, Prostate, and the small intestine. The Liver-Bone-Kidney type is particularly important. A rise in the Alkaline Phosphatase occurs with all forms of Cholestasis, particularly with obstructive jaundice. It is also elevated in diseases of the skeletal system, such as Paget disease, Hyperparathyroidism, Rickets, and Osteomalacia, as well as with fractures and malignant tumors.

This test is advised for following purposes:

• Screening: It involves detecting health problems even before the appearance of symptoms associated with a range of potential health problems.
• Diagnosis: It helps in detecting the disorders after the appearance of signs of possible liver problems, such as nausea and vomiting, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. It is also often advised if you have symptoms of a possible bone disorder, such as bone pain, susceptibility to bone fractures, or abnormal bone shape. 
• Monitoring: It may provide information about the severity of the disease and how a condition changes over time with treatment.

The following are a few signs that could indicate the need for an Alkaline Phosphatase Test: 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Jaundice
• Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen 
• Swelling in ankles and legs
• Dark-colored urine (pee) and/or light-colored stool (poop)
• Itching
• Bone pain
• Inflammation in your joints
• Bones that are unusually shaped and/or too large
• Broken bones

• Overnight fasting is preferred before the Alkaline Phosphatase Test. 
• Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to an Alkaline Phosphatase Test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
• Drink adequate water before sample collection.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection..
• Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.

The Price of an Alkaline Phosphatase Test is Rs. 120. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:

• Other tests advised along with Alkaline Phosphatase Test
• Offers or discounts
• Empanelment of the patient