Bone Isoenzymes details
What Bone Isoenzymes shows
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme made in several tissues, mainly the liver and bone, and each source produces a slightly different form called an isoenzyme. This test measures the bone fraction, released by bone-building cells. It is mainly used when your total alkaline phosphatase is raised, to work out whether the extra comes from bone or from the liver. A higher bone fraction can reflect increased bone turnover, as seen with normal growth in children and teenagers, healing fractures, Paget's disease of bone, vitamin D deficiency or bone involvement from other conditions. Results are interpreted alongside total alkaline phosphatase, the liver fraction, your age and other tests.
Tests that include Bone Isoenzymes
When the Total Alkaline Phosphatase activity is increased, the Isoenzymes are useful in determining the source of the increased activity.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) An enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. High levels can signal liver disease, bile duct blockage, or bone conditions.
- Bone Isoenzymes Measures the bone form of alkaline phosphatase, helping show whether a raised alkaline phosphatase level comes from bone rather than the liver.
- Intestinal Isoenzymes The intestinal fraction of alkaline phosphatase, measured in serum to help work out whether a raised alkaline phosphatase comes from the intestine rather than liver or bone.
- Liver Isoenzymes The liver fraction of alkaline phosphatase, measured in serum to help work out whether a raised alkaline phosphatase comes from the liver or bile ducts.
- Macrohepatic Isoenzymes A high-molecular-weight form of liver alkaline phosphatase, measured in serum and usually linked to slowed or blocked bile flow.
- Placental Isoenzymes Measures the placental form of alkaline phosphatase, which normally rises in pregnancy and is reported as part of an alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme test.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist