ALP stands for alkaline phosphatase. ALP is an enzyme naturally
present throughout your body. It comes in many variations called
isoenzymes. Each isoenzyme of ALP is different, depending on
where in your body it is made. Your bones make an isoenzyme
called ALP-2. Levels of this enzyme increase when bones are
growing or bone cells are active. An ALP bone isoenzyme test can
detect abnormal levels of bone growth that may be associated
with conditions such as: - Paget’s disease of bone - certain
bone cancers Other names for an ALP bone isoenzyme test include:
- ALP-2 test - bone-specific alkaline phosphatase test - bone-
specific ALP test Doctors order an ALP-2 test if they are
concerned you may have a bone disease. Symptoms of bone disease
include: - chronic bone and joint pain - bones that break easily
or brittle bones - deformed bones An ALP-2 test can also be used
to monitor bone disease treatment. Your doctor may tell you not
to eat or drink anything for six to 12 hours before the test.
You may be asked to st