Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does High Alkaline Phosphatase Levels Indicate?
Question: Hi. I recently had a complete physical-the results came back quite good but the alkfas was at 151. What does this mean? The doctor didn't seem alarmed. Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
if no symptoms or signs then monitored
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Alkaline phosphatase is found in high concentrations in the liver, kidney, bones and intestines.
In adults however the alkaline phosphatase that is circulating is primarily in the bones and liver
Lab reference ranges vary slightly from one lab to the next but in most the upper limit is around 120.
it is important to note that the reference range of this test applies only to 95% of the population and 2.5% of normal persons will have values above this range.
In addition there are some medications that can also cause an increase.
Normally when the value is increased the doctor may check for any symptoms or signs of liver or bone disease. He or she may also check whether any of your medications may have contributed to the rise.
If there are no symptoms or signs ,the other liver function tests including GGT are normal and the alk phos is raised less than 1.5 times the upper limit ( as in your case), then normally the procedure is just to monitor and repeat in 3 to 6 months.
Summary: if raised less than 1.5 above upper limit with no other problems then just monitored
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
if no symptoms or signs then monitored
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Alkaline phosphatase is found in high concentrations in the liver, kidney, bones and intestines.
In adults however the alkaline phosphatase that is circulating is primarily in the bones and liver
Lab reference ranges vary slightly from one lab to the next but in most the upper limit is around 120.
it is important to note that the reference range of this test applies only to 95% of the population and 2.5% of normal persons will have values above this range.
In addition there are some medications that can also cause an increase.
Normally when the value is increased the doctor may check for any symptoms or signs of liver or bone disease. He or she may also check whether any of your medications may have contributed to the rise.
If there are no symptoms or signs ,the other liver function tests including GGT are normal and the alk phos is raised less than 1.5 times the upper limit ( as in your case), then normally the procedure is just to monitor and repeat in 3 to 6 months.
Summary: if raised less than 1.5 above upper limit with no other problems then just monitored
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks so much for your answer. The doctor, in his phone message, as I said, didn't seem alarmed. But I want too see him and talk to him about it. (The blood work also showed that the liver was fine.) Once again, your answer was clear and very helpful. Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Please feel free to contact with any other queries
you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Please feel free to contact with any other queries
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
