Lab marker · High

High Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): what it means

A Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: Approximately 30–125 U/L in adults; higher in children/adolescents during growth

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What a high Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) can mean

  • Cholestasis — bile-duct obstruction (gallstones, tumour, primary biliary cholangitis); GGT also elevated.
  • Bone disease — Paget's disease, healing fracture, bone metastases, hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia; GGT normal.
  • Growing children and adolescents — physiological.
  • Pregnancy — placental ALP normally rises in third trimester.
  • Drug-induced liver injury — some patterns.

When to discuss with a doctor

Isolated ALP elevation usually warrants checking GGT first to localise the source. Persistent elevation with normal GGT suggests bone disease and warrants further work-up (PTH, calcium, vitamin D, sometimes bone-specific ALP). Persistent elevation with elevated GGT points at liver / biliary disease and warrants ultrasound.

Conditions this can relate to

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Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.