A Comprehensive Guide to What Level of ALP is Dangerous

Do you know that high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels can threaten your life? Before that, it is essential to understand what ALP is, its role, and its contribution to your health. 

This blog is a comprehensive guide to alkaline phosphatase (ALP), including its definition, normal and high ALP levels, and more. Let’s explore it in detail. 

What is alkaline phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is crucial to your body's biochemical processes. An ALP is an enzyme most abundant in the intestines, kidneys, liver, and bones. 

A healthcare provider may suggest an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test to assess your liver and bone function. If your ALP levels are abnormally high in your blood, it may indicate a problem with your liver or bones. 

Additionally, the ALP test helps detect blocked bile ducts due to high levels of ALP in the liver cells. One or more than one obstructed bile duct may indicate high blood levels of ALP. 

What is the procedure for the ALP-Blood test?

The procedure for the ALP blood test is simple. The expert will use a needle to draw the blood from a vein in your arm to measure the levels of ALP. 

You may feel slight pain or a sting at the puncture site. However, these symptoms are temporary and will go away quickly. 

Additional tests that a healthcare provider may suggest to make an accurate diagnosis: 

• Liver function test (LFT): This test helps determine the cause of symptoms and monitors liver disease or damage. 
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, radio waves, etc., help diagnose disease, plan treatment or determine its effectiveness. 
• Bone scans: It helps diagnose and track several types of bone diseases. 

What are the main functions of ALP?

The enzyme ALP is present in many parts of the body. It contributes to many processes, such as: 

• It helps in the formation and growth of bones. 
• It transports nutrients and other enzymes in the liver. 
• ALP also transports many fatty acids, calcium, and phosphates in the intestines. 
• It also helps in digesting fat in the intestines. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/10-best-foods-to-support-your-alkaline-phosphatase-levels/

What is a normal ALP level? 

The normal reference range for ALP level for adults is 44-147 IU/L. In adult women, the reference range for ALP levels is similar to that of adult men and falls between 20 and 140 IU/L. 

The reference range for ALP levels in children and adolescents is between 130 and 320 IU/L. It is higher in adolescents due to ongoing bone growth and development. 

The reference range for the ALP levels may vary depending on several factors. These include sex, age, ethnicity, and the laboratory where the test was conducted. 

Discuss your ALP test reports with your doctor. It will help you understand your specific range and get the necessary guidance. 

What causes high ALP levels? 

If your ALP test shows abnormal results, this means higher-than-normal ALP levels or lower-than-normal ALP levels. This may indicate liver or bone problems, which can be due to a specific type of ALP. 

The main causes of abnormal ALP levels are: 

1. Viral hepatitis: This indicates liver inflammation and compromised liver function. 
2. Cirrhosis is caused by long-term damage. The liver fails to function appropriately, and the ALP levels rise. 
3. Bile duct obstruction: The blocking of bile can be due to tumors, gallstones, or strictures, thus increasing ALP levels. 
4. Alcoholic liver disease: Overdrinking is harmful to the liver. It can cause damage and may result in high ALP levels. 
5. Paget’s disease is a bone disorder that prevents bone from working normally, resulting in elevated ALP levels.
6. Bone cancer can raise ALP levels, particularly due to increased cellular activity in the affected bone. 
7. Gallbladder diseases such as gallstones or inflammation can obstruct the bile ducts, increasing ALP levels. 
8. Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism can cause a rise in ALP levels. 
9. Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease can cause increased ALP levels due to inflammation. 
10. Medications: Certain pain- Relieving medications, antibiotics, or anticonvulsants can cause elevated ALP levels. 
11. Rickets and osteomalacia: The bones tend to weaken in these conditions, leading to increased ALP levels due to abnormal bone mechanisms. 
12. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, most commonly caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol intake. It results in elevated ALP levels. 
13. Death: Significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase are linked with higher mortality rates when the underlying disease is not treated immediately. 

Which high levels of alkaline phosphatase are dangerous?

When the ALP levels go beyond 300 IU/L, they are considered elevated. The ALP levels between 500 and 1000 IU/L may indicate worsening liver diseases. Nevertheless, ALP levels beyond 1000 IU/L are dangerous, hinting towards critical illnesses, which could be cancer, liver failure, or severe bone loss.

Your healthcare provider will consider all the factors, including the reports of other diagnostic tests, to reveal the exact cause of elevated ALP levels in your case. And how dangerous they are. 

Additionally, he may consider your current symptoms and past medical problems and ask if you ever had abnormal ALP levels before giving a final judgment. However, early and accurate diagnosis can help initiate treatment and prevent negative outcomes. 

Treatment

To treat the underlying disease causing abnormal ALP levels, a healthcare provider may consider the following: 

• Medications: Diseases-specific drugs may be suggested to reduce liver inflammation, improve bile function, etc. 
• Chemotherapy: Strong medications are given to fight certain liver and bone cancers. 
• Surgery: The doctor may consider surgical procedures to eliminate gallstones obstructing bile ducts or tumor removal. 
• Lifestyle changes: Dietary changes may help improve liver function and bone health. 

Additionally, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medications and nutrition therapy, which involves providing all essential nutrients to combat liver diseases. 

Conclusion

An ALP test helps diagnose diseases of the liver or bones. Whether you have high or low levels of ALP, consulting a doctor is important to determine the exact cause of the health problem and guide appropriate treatment. 

Are you looking to get tested for ALP levels? Redcliffe Labs assures you of a precise diagnosis. It is trusted by the best doctors and hospitals across India. It is home to state-of-the-art blood testing facilities performed by expert phlebotomists. You also get home sample collection convenience and the most accurate reports, typically within a given time. 

Here is step-by-step information on booking an ALP test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/ 
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.