Test Code LAB4 Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Plasma or Serum

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC	EPIC Test Code	Mnemonic
ALK PHOSPHATASE	LAB4	ALP

Test Alias

ALP

Useful For/Utility

Diagnosing and monitoring treatment of liver, bone, intestinal, and parathyroid diseases.

Methodology

Kinetic Rate (Para-nitrophenyl Phosphate)

Clinical Information

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. A considerable rise in the alkaline phosphatase activity is sometimes seen in children and teenagers. It is caused by increased osteoblast activity following accelerated bone growth.

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

2. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.

3. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.

Additional Information:

1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Alternate:

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Serum gel

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

2. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.

3. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.

Additional Information:

1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 8 hours OK/Frozen OK

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Chemistry -

Ada Hospital Lab; Ashland Clinic Lab; Deer River Hospital Lab; Ely Clinic Lab; Fargo Hospital Lab; Fosston Hospital Lab; Hayward Clinic Lab; Hibbing Clinic Lab; Holy Trinity Hospital Lab; International Falls Clinic Lab; Northern Pines Lab; Park Rapids Clinic Lab; Sandstone Hospital Lab; SMDC Clinical Lab; South University Clinic Lab; Spooner Clinic Lab; St. Joseph's - Baxter Clinic Lab; St. Joseph's - Brainerd Clinic Lab; St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab; St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab; Virginia Hospital Lab; St. Mary's Hospital - Superior Lab; Moose Lake Hospital Lab

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84075

Reference Values

Males

0-14 days: 90-273 IU/L

15 days-1 year: 134-518 IU/L

1-9 years: 156-369 IU/L

10-12 years: 141-460 IU/L

13-14 years: 127-517 IU/L

15-16 years: 89-365 IU/L

17-18 years: 59-164 IU/L

Adult: 40-150 IU/L

Females