This test helps determine the location of damaged or diseased tissue in the body.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme in all tissues.
Tissues with particularly high concentrations include liver, bile ducts, and bone cells. There are multiple varieties of ALP, called isoenzymes, with slightly different structures. Since damaged or diseased tissue releases enzymes into the blood, serum ALP measurements can differentiate bone disease from liver disease . A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation.