The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the level of this enzyme in your blood. ALP is found throughout the body, but the highest concentrations are in the liver, bile ducts, bone, and placenta (during pregnancy).
Because ALP is secreted by cells lining the bile ducts, a primary use of this test is to detect bile duct obstruction or certain types of liver damage. Its presence in bone also makes it a valuable marker for bone growth and bone disorders.
The ALP test is typically included in a Liver Function Test (LFT) or a routine blood panel.