Background
Alkaline phosphatases are a group of enzymes with similar catalytic activity. They may be found in high concentrations in a number of tissues throughout the body.Different tissues contain different types of isoenzymes, this allows identification of the source of ALP in most cases.The tissues that contain the highest levels of ALP are liver, bone, placenta and intestine.As a liver function test ALP, known as the cholestatic enzyme, particularly reflects pathology of the biliary system.
Specimen requirements
Sample type:
- Serum
- Freshly collected serum only.
- Fasting sample is recommended but this is not essential.
Sample identification:
- Three patient identifiers from
- Name
- DOB
- Address
- NHS number
- Unit number
Turnaround time
1 week