Placental Isoenzymes details
What Placental Isoenzymes shows
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme made by several tissues, and an isoenzyme test separates it into its sources, such as liver, bone, intestine and placenta. This result is the placental fraction. It is measured to help work out why total ALP is raised. Placental ALP normally rises during pregnancy, especially in the later months, as the placenta produces it. Outside pregnancy, a placenta-like form can occasionally be made by certain tumours, so an unexpected result may lead to further tests. It is interpreted alongside total ALP and the other isoenzyme fractions.
Tests that include Placental 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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