Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in many tissues, but the amount circulating in your blood comes mainly from the liver, the bile ducts and growing bone, with smaller contributions from the intestine and the placenta during pregnancy. Because of this, ALP is read as a clue rather than a diagnosis on its own. A raised level most often points towards a problem with bile flow — gallstones blocking a duct, a swollen or fatty liver, certain medicines, or growths pressing on the biliary tree — and for that reason it is usually requested as part of a liver function panel alongside bilirubin, ALT, AST and GGT. The companion GGT is what tells your doctor whether a high ALP is coming from the liver or from bone: if GGT is also high the source is hepatic, if GGT is normal the bone is the likelier culprit. Bone-related rises are seen in healing fractures, vitamin-D deficiency and osteomalacia (common in Nepal where limited sun exposure and largely vegetarian diets leave many adults low in vitamin D), an overactive parathyroid, and Paget's disease. Naturally high readings are normal and expected in growing children, adolescents and in the third trimester of pregnancy, so results are always interpreted against age and pregnancy status. Doctors order ALP when someone has yellowing of the eyes or skin, itching, pale stools, dark urine, right-upper-abdominal pain, unexplained bone pain, or simply an abnormal routine liver screen. An unusually low ALP is uncommon but can hint at malnutrition, zinc deficiency or certain rare disorders, which is why the full clinical picture always guides the next step.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

Fasting is preferred — ideally 8 hours overnight, as a recent fatty meal can raise the result slightly in some people. Water is fine. Tell us if you are pregnant or taking any medicines.

Turnaround time

Reports for Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other biochemistry tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.