ALP is the abbreviation for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, which is primarily found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. It is therefore common to measure ALP when examining the health of the liver, associated bile ducts, and skeleton.
ALP is the abbreviation for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, primarily found in the liver cells adjacent to the bile ducts and in cells involved in bone formation.
Levels of ALP are therefore affected by disturbances in liver and associated bile ducts function as well as various disease processes in the skeleton. ALP is tested when there is suspicion of liver and bile duct diseases and to evaluate skeletal health. It is particularly common to test ALP when gallstones are suspected.
ALP is one of the standard tests used when examining liver health. ALP levels are measured with a simple blood test.
Reference values for ALP are:
For adults: 0.70 – 1.9 µkat/L
Reference values may vary depending on where the analysis is performed, and which analysis method is used.
Elevated values may be due to:
A low ALP value is what is expected in a healthy person. In cases of severe malnutrition, especially deficiencies in zinc and magnesium, low levels may occur. Some rare inherited diseases also result in low values.
ALP as a single test does not provide much information about what specifically is wrong; the result is always combined with other liver tests. ALAT levels are often compared because that test is more elevated by diseases in the liver itself, while ALP levels are more elevated by diseases of the bile ducts.
One can also compare GT levels to determine if a high ALP is due to skeletal or liver and bile duct influence.
In certain conditions, one can deduce what is wrong by combining test results and symptoms, while in others, more specific tests are needed to know for sure. Some individuals also have elevated ALP without any detectable cause or impact on health.
The ALP value itself is not directly related to health but is used to indicate various disease states. A high ALP value in itself is not dangerous; however, the high value is often due to disease states that negatively affect health. These conditions are usually beyond one’s control.
Liver transplantation is a treatment option intended for patients with severe liver failure or certain liver diseases that do not respond to other treatments. Liver transplantation may be an option for end-stage liver cirrhosis, acute liver failure, or certain genetic liver diseases. The suitability of a patient for liver transplantation is carefully assessed, and factors such as the patient’s overall health condition and other possible diseases influence the decision.
The rate of liver recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the individual’s health condition. A healthy liver can regenerate and repair damage effectively, but recovery can take weeks or months.
Liver values can be elevated for many reasons, such as excessive alcohol use, side effects of medication, fatty liver, or hepatitis. Elevated values may indicate liver dysfunction.
An adult human liver weighs on average about 1–1.5 kilograms. The liver is the largest internal organ in the body.
Symptoms of liver cancer can include abdominal pain, especially under the right rib cage, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and general fatigue. Symptoms can be nonspecific and may be confused with other liver diseases.
To reduce bilirubin, it is important to treat the underlying causes of its elevation. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, or more specialized treatments depending on the underlying disease, such as liver diseases.
The decrease in liver values depends on many factors, such as the original reason for the increase and the individual’s health condition. Generally, with healthy lifestyle choices and treatment of any underlying diseases, liver values can start to normalize within a few weeks.
An ALAT value is considered too high when it exceeds the laboratory’s reference values, which are usually about 10–70 U/L for men and 7–45 U/L for women. High values can indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver, but other factors such as obesity, diabetes, or excessive alcohol use can also raise ALAT values.
Normal values for GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) vary by age and gender, but generally are under 60 U/L for men and under 40 U/L for women. High values may indicate liver or bile duct problems.
Lowering liver values often requires lifestyle changes, such as limiting alcohol consumption, a healthy diet, and exercise. In some cases, medication or other medical treatment may be necessary.
To lower the ALAT value, it is important to identify and treat the cause of its increase. Common ways to reduce the value include following a healthy and balanced diet, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, and regular exercise. It is also advisable to avoid medications and other substances that can strain the liver. If the ALAT value is significantly elevated, it is advisable to consult a doctor who can prescribe appropriate treatment.
The diagnosis of cirrhosis is based on symptoms, medical examination, and results from laboratory tests, such as liver function tests. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help assess the condition of the liver. A liver biopsy may also be performed if necessary.
Liver disease can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, dark patches on the skin, or small, spiderweb-like vascular changes on the skin.
Symptoms of cirrhosis can initially be vague and mild, such as fatigue and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, it can cause jaundice, abdominal swelling (ascites), itching, and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Spider angiomas on the skin are also typical.
Gallbladder issues can manifest in various ways. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back or right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms can worsen after eating fatty foods. In some cases, jaundice may also occur as bile accumulates in the body.
Fatty liver is typically diagnosed through blood tests, such as liver values and fat levels, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or computed tomography.
Cirrhosis can appear on the skin in several ways. Typical manifestations include jaundice, spider angiomas (small patterns formed by blood vessels on the skin), and skin itching. Additionally, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (icterus) is a common symptom.
Liver dysfunction can manifest in various ways, such as fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, and swelling. Symptoms depend on the type and severity of liver disease.
The ALAT value can decrease from a few days to weeks depending on what has caused the increase. For example, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, a healthier diet, and regular exercise can accelerate the decrease in the ALAT value. If the ALAT value has increased due to liver disease, lowering the value may take longer and require treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Fatty liver can be asymptomatic for a long time, but in some cases, it may cause fatigue, upper abdominal pain, or swelling. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through blood tests and imaging studies.
The treatment for fatty liver primarily involves lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss if necessary. Reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is also important.
Liver cirrhosis usually progresses slowly over the years. In the initial phase, cirrhosis can be asymptomatic, but as liver function deteriorates, it can lead to serious complications such as internal bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure.
Vital laboratory package Man 50+ includes 36 values and provides you with a comprehensive overview of your health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a man over 50 years old.
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Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
ALP is the abbreviation for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, which is primarily found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. Therefore, it is common to measure ALP when examining the health of the liver, the associated bile ducts, and the skeleton.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) is an indicator of the well-being of the liver. It reacts to long-term alcohol use and fatty liver disease caused by excess weight, for example.
High ASAT may indicate tissue damage in important organs.
GT is one of the standard tests used to assess the health of the liver and bile ducts, especially when there is suspicion of alcohol-related health issues. More GT is produced by liver cells when they are under stress, such as in liver diseases or heavy alcohol consumption.
MCV is tested when looking for the causes of diagnosed anemia.
Elevated triglyceride levels rarely need to be lowered with medication, as changing lifestyle habits is the primary treatment.
Article updated:
23 October 2024