ALP Meaning
ALP stands for alkalysch phosphatase and is a biomarker belonging to the group of liver enzymes. ALP is made in the liver, but also in other tissues, such as bones, small intestine and placenta. This means that an abnormal value therefore does not always only say something about the liver. The value of ALP should therefore always be interpreted together with the other liver enzymes.
Elevated ALP combined with increased Gamma GT but with normal ALAT (and ASAT) points towards bile duct disease.
ALP Values in Men and Women
ALP Values in Men
Here is an overview of ALP values in men, so you can see when your ALP value is normal, low or high.
- Normal:
- Age 18-19: An ALP value between 55 and 149 U/L is considered normal. This indicates that liver function is within expected values.
- Age 19-100: An ALP value between 40 and 130 U/L is considered normal and indicates healthy liver function.
- Low:
- Age 18-19 years: An ALP value below 55 U/L is considered abnormal and too low. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes and blood values.
- Age 19-100: A value below 40 U/L is considered abnormal and too low. This may require further evaluation in combination with other blood values.
- Caution:
- Age 18-19 years: Values just within the normal range, without more specific limits indicated, may be on the low side and assessed with caution.
- Age 19-100: The same applies to values on the low side that fall just within the normal range.
- High:
- Age 18-19 years: Values between 149 and 5000 U/L fall outside normal values and are considered too high. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes.
- Age 19-100: Values between 130 and 5000 U/L fall outside normal values and are on the high side, which may require further evaluation.
ALP Values in Women
Here is an overview of ALP levels in women, so you can see when your ALP level is normal, low or high.
- Normal:
- Age 18-19 years: An ALP value between 45 and 87 U/L is considered normal and indicates good liver function.
- Age 19-100: For women of this age, a value between 35 and 105 U/L is considered normal.
- Low:
- Age 18-19 years: A value below 45 U/L is considered abnormal and too low, which may require further interpretation in conjunction with other blood values.
- Age 19-100 years: Values below 35 U/L fall outside normal values and are considered too low.
- Caution:
- Age 18-19 years: Values between 45 and 47.25 U/L are considered ‘fitted’ and are at the lower limit of normal values.
- Age 19-100: For this age group, values just within the normal range may be considered ‘adjusted’, although no specific limit is indicated.
- High:
- Age 18-19 years: ALP values between 87 and 5000 U/L are considered abnormal and too high.
- Age 19-100: A value between 105 and 5000 U/L falls outside normal values and may require further investigation.
- Invalid:
- An ALP value of 0 U/L is considered invalid for both men and women, which may mean there was too little material for the test.
ALP Values in Men (in table)
You can also find the ALP values for men and women in tabular form below.
| Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not normal | U/L | 0-55 | 18 - 19 | Man | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too low. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes and other blood values. |
| Take care | U/L | 55-57,75 | 18 - 19 | Man | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the low side. |
| Normal | U/L | 57,75-141,55 | 18 - 19 | Man | The ALP is good. |
| Take care | U/L | 141,55-149 | 18 - 19 | Man | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the high side. |
| Not normal | U/L | 149-5000 | 18 - 19 | Man | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too high. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes. |
| Not normal | U/L | 0 - 40 | 19 - 100 | Man | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too low. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes and other blood values. |
| Take care | U/L | 40-42 | 19 - 100 | Man | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the low side. |
| Normal | U/L | 42-123,5 | 19 - 100 | Man | The ALP is good. |
| Take care | U/L | 123,5-130 | 19 - 100 | Man | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the high side. |
| Not normal | U/L | 130 - 5000 | 19 - 100 | Man | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too high. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes. |
ALP Values at Woman (in table)
| Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not normal | U/L | 0 - 45 | 18 - 19 | Woman | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too low. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes and other blood values. |
| Take care | U/L | 45 - 47.25 | 18 - 19 | Woman | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the low side. |
| Normal | U/L | 45 - 82.65 | 18 - 19 | Woman | The ALP is good. |
| Take care | U/L | 82.65 - 87 | 18 - 19 | Woman | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the high side. |
| Not normal | U/L | 87-5000 | 18 - 19 | Woman | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too high. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes. |
| Not normal | U/L | 0 - 35 | 19 - 100 | Woman | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too low. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes and other blood values. |
| Take care | U/L | 35 - 36.75 | 19 - 100 | Woman | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the low side. |
| Normal | U/L | 36.75 - 99.75 | 19 - 100 | Woman | The ALP is good. |
| Take care | U/L | 99.75 - 105 | 19 - 100 | Woman | The ALP is still within normal range, but on the high side. |
| Not normal | U/L | 105 - 5000 | 19 - 100 | Woman | The ALP is outside of normal range and is too high. Interpretation depends on other liver enzymes. |
