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Alkaline Phosphatase Test |
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Alkaline Phosphatase Test - Alkaline Phosphatase Tests, Reasons, Procedure and Preparation for Alkaline Phosphatase Test
Alkaline Phosphatase Tests
An Alkaline phosphatase test is primarily used to measure the amount of an enzyme known as alkaline phosphatase in the blood. The enzyme is mostly created in the liver and bone while other organs that manufacture the enzyme to a lesser degree include the intestines and kidneys. Any evidence of liver disease accompanied by high alkaline phosphatase levels can tell a doctor that there is some kind of blockage in the bile ducts. People that suffer from cancer that has either spread to the liver or the bones are likely to have very high alkaline phosphatase levels. If the levels are exceedingly high but the reasons are unknown, the doctor may also order an alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme test to investigate further.
Reasons for Alkaline Phosphatase Test
An Alkaline phosphatase lab test is usually ordered to check for any kind of lover disease or damage to the liver. Some of the more common liver diseases include belly pain, jaundice, vomiting and nausea. Alkaline phosphatase tests are also used to check on bone problems such as bone tumors, rickets, and Paget’s disease. The Alkaline phosphatase tests are also regularly conducted to get a progress report on how effective any treatment has been.
Preparation for Alkaline Phosphatase Test
In most cases, an alkaline phosphatase test is conducted around the same time a routine blood test is taken – meaning that no special preparation needs to be carried out. The test is generally a part of a lab’s routine testing profile which will also include a number of other tests known as a liver panel.
If your Alkaline phosphatase test is a follow up test, you may be required to avoid consuming any food or drink for up to about 10 hours prior to the test. This is mainly because the alkaline phosphatase levels within the body will generally go up after eating – especially when the meal consisted of fatty foods. It is also very important to let your doctor know about any medication that you are under as a number of medicines are known to change the results of the test.
Procedure to Conduct Alkaline Phosphatase Test
Like any other blood test, an alkaline phosphatase test requires the drawing of some amount of blood from the vein behind the elbow. The technique implies placing an elastic band around the upper part of the arm – thereby restricting blood flow and making the vein more prominent to puncture with the syringe. It is essential that the needle of the syringe be sterilized as any kind of unhygienic conditions could lead to infection.
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Submitted on
January 6, 2010 |
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