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AFOS (Alkaline phosphatase)

S -AFOS

€ 22.60

The enzyme alkaline phosphatase or AFOS (ALP) occurs in liver cells and primarily takes part in biliation. Alkaline phosphatase is also needed for building bones. Typically, AFOS is elevated in liver and bone diseases. The name of the AFOS enzyme is derived from its tendency to work best in a slightly alkaline environment (pH of about 9).

In addition to the liver and bones, AFOS also occurs in the placenta, white blood cells and some tumours.

When should AFOS be measured?

The following symptoms may be indicative of a liver disease:

Itching, dark urine, yellowness of the skin and eyes, tendency to bruise, enlarged stomach, swelling of the limbs, muscle weakness, unsteady walking, fracture.

AFOS is typically elevated when the bile ducts are partially or fully obstructed. Recurring fractures may indicate a metabolic bone disease.

What does the AFOS test measure?

By testing the AFOS levels in the blood, we can primarily assess the functioning of the liver as well as partially that of the bones. If cells containing AFOS are damaged or increased in the body, the levels of AFOS enzyme released into the bloodstream increase.

Normally, the result is: 

Reference values:

  • Women aged 13–17: <125 U/l
  • Men aged 13–17: <330 U/l
  • Adults aged > 18: 35 – 105 U/l

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph. Read more about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

Children display decreased AFOS values in a rare, hereditary metabolic bone disease called hypophosphatasia. Decreased AFOS levels weaken the consistency of the bones. Decreased AFOS values may also be related to hyperthyroidism.

The most typical additional tests:

  • Bilirubin, which is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and a test for liver and bile duct diseases (1185 S-Bil, 1189 S-Bil-Kj)
  • Gamma-glutamyl transferase, a sensitive indicator of liver diseases (1489, S-GT)
  • Alanine aminotransferase, indicator of liver cell damage (1026 S-ALAT)
  • Aspartate aminotransferase, which reacts quickly to liver, cardiac muscle and musculoskeletal cell damage (1128 S-ASAT)
  • Calcium, which is critical for all cells of the body (2013 S-Ca, 2019 fS-Ca-Ion, 6032 S-Ca-Albk)
  • Phosphate, an important building block of bones, cells and DNA (1432 fS-Pi)

Children display decreased AFOS values in a rare, hereditary metabolic bone disease called hypophosphatasia. Decreased AFOS levels weaken the consistency of the bones. Decreased AFOS values may also be related to hyperthyroidism.

  • Bilirubin, which is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and a test for liver and bile duct diseases (1185 S-Bil, 1189 S-Bil-Kj)
  • Gamma-glutamyl transferase, a sensitive indicator of liver diseases (1489, S-GT)
  • Alanine aminotransferase, indicator of liver cell damage (1026 S-ALAT)
  • Aspartate aminotransferase, which reacts quickly to liver, cardiac muscle and musculoskeletal cell damage (1128 S-ASAT)
  • Calcium, which is critical for all cells of the body (2013 S-Ca, 2019 fS-Ca-Ion, 6032 S-Ca-Albk)
  • Phosphate, an important building block of bones, cells and DNA (1432 fS-Pi)

SYNLAB Laboratory handbook: Alkaalinen Fosfataasi kemisti Arto Katajamäki

Terveyskirjasto health library: Alkaalinen fosfataasi

Hyvä terveys: Seerumin alkaalinen fosfataasi

Preparation

Fasting is not required

This examination does not require fasting