what is alp in blood test

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of ALP, an enzyme found in various parts of the body, in the blood. Most ALP is found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. Abnormal levels of ALP in the blood may indicate a wide range of health conditions, including liver disease, bone disorders, and chronic kidney disease. However, the ALP test alone cannot identify the source of the elevated ALP, so additional tests are usually needed to make a diagnosis. The test is typically included in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and a liver panel, and it can differentiate between types of alkaline phosphatase based on their origin in the body. High ALP levels may indicate liver disease or certain bone disorders, while low levels can indicate a deficiency in zinc and magnesium or a rare genetic disease called hypophosphatasia.