What is elevated alkaline phosphatase?
Alkaline phosphatase is a protein that occurs naturally in all types of body tissue. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase can indicate the presence of a number of medical disorders as well as non-harmful body changes.TestingDoctors check levels of alkaline phosphatase with a simple blood test, according to Medline Plus. Normal testing results typically fall between 44 and 147 IU/L (international units per liter of blood).General CausesElevated levels of alkaline phosphatase typically indicate either liver damage or an abnormal rise in the activity of bone cells, according to Lab Tests Online.Specific CausesMedline Plus cites specific potential causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase that include hepatitis, liver disease, leukemia, osteoblastic bone cancer, anemia, Paget’s disease and obstructions in the biliary system.Non-Harmful ChangesElevated alkaline phosphatase may also occur in pregnant women or in children undergoing natural accelerations of bone growth (growth spurts), notes