Description
Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme produced by the liver and bones. Alkaline Phosphatase - Serum alkaline phosphatase levels are of interest in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disorders and bone disease associated with increased osteoblastic activity. Levels are elevated in livers that are damaged, parathyroid gland, bones, muscles, leukemia, vitamin D and calcium deficiency and bone cancers.
The Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase provides a general index of bone formation and a specific index of total osteoblast activity. This test is the most effective markers of bone formation and are particularly useful for monitoring bone formation therapies and antiresorptive therapies. Moderate elevations of alkaline phosphatase may be seen in several conditions that do not involve the liver or bone. Among these are Hodgkin`s disease, congestive heart failure, ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis, and intra-abdominal bacterial infections. Elevations are also observed during the third trimester of pregnancy.
This test recommended for Paget’s disease, assessment of liver function in chronic liver disesaes, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, bone cancers, rickets.
