Liver Isoenzymes details
What Liver Isoenzymes shows
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme made in several tissues, mainly the liver and bone, with smaller amounts from the intestine and, in pregnancy, the placenta. An ALP isoenzyme test separates total ALP into these forms, and this result is the liver fraction. It is measured when total ALP is raised and the source is unclear. A higher liver fraction points toward the liver or bile ducts as the source, for example when bile flow is slowed or blocked, or with some liver conditions or medicines. It does not identify the specific cause, so it is interpreted alongside total ALP, GGT, bilirubin, other liver tests, and imaging when needed.
Tests that include Liver 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.
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