Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes Test
The alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes test separates total alkaline phosphatase activity into its component parts. Quest describes it as useful when total alkaline phosphatase is found to be increased, to help determine which isoenzyme source is contributing.
About this test
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme with several forms, or isoenzymes, that come from different tissues, including bone, liver, intestine and placenta. A standard alkaline phosphatase result reports only the total activity; this test separates that total into its component isoenzymes using electrophoresis, followed by spectrophotometric measurement of each fraction from a 2 mL serum sample.
Quest lists bone, intestinal, liver, macrohepatic and placental isoenzymes among the fractions the test distinguishes, along with an interpretation of the pattern. Because different tissues contribute alkaline phosphatase for different reasons, separating the total into these parts gives a clinician more to work with than the single combined number.
Who might consider this test?
- People who talk with their clinician about this test usually already have a total alkaline phosphatase result that came back elevated.
Test details
| Quest code | 231 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Electrophoresis • Spectrophotometry |
| Sample type | 2 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports the individual isoenzyme fractions that make up total alkaline phosphatase activity, including bone, liver, intestinal, macrohepatic and placental isoenzymes, along with an interpretation of the pattern. Quest measures these fractions from a 2 mL serum sample.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes test measure?
It separates total alkaline phosphatase activity into its component isoenzymes, distinguishing among the tissue sources, such as bone, liver, intestine and placenta, that contribute to the total.
How is the sample collected?
A 2 mL serum sample is collected during a routine blood draw.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Why might a clinician order this test?
Quest describes it as useful when total alkaline phosphatase activity is found to be increased, to help determine which isoenzyme source is contributing to that increase.
Which isoenzyme fractions does the test report?
Quest lists bone, intestinal, liver, macrohepatic and placental isoenzymes, along with an interpretation of the overall pattern.
How much does the Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $169. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.