How to prepare
No fasting is required for an ALP test. Drink water as normal.
Let your practitioner know about any medications you take, as some can raise ALP levels. Eating a fatty meal can transiently increase ALP in people with certain blood types, though the clinical significance of this is usually minor. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
After the test
Share your results with your GP or relevant specialist. If your ALP is elevated, your practitioner may request additional tests such as GGT, ALT, bilirubin, or an ALP isoenzymes test to determine whether the rise is coming from the liver or the bones.
If your result is within the normal range but you have ongoing symptoms, your practitioner may investigate other causes.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Results are reported in units per litre (U/L). Reference ranges vary between laboratories and differ significantly by age, sex, and pregnancy status. Adults typically fall within the range of 30 to 120 U/L, though laboratories may use slightly different values.
Elevated ALP may be associated with bile duct obstruction, liver disease, bone disorders (including Paget's disease, bone metastases, or fractures), or conditions causing increased bone turnover. Mildly raised ALP is common and can have benign causes. Significantly elevated ALP warrants further investigation to determine the source.
Your practitioner will review your ALP result alongside other liver markers, symptoms, and clinical history before making any recommendations.
