I recently had a metabolic blood panel due to taking lipitor. All results were fine except alkaline phosphatase was 180. It has always been fine in the past. TSH was also normal although I noticed it has gradually been declining. Recent mammogram was normal, and I had five polyps removed during my first colonoscopy last summer. I see my doctor on Monday for my annual physical, but her email with the test results sounded like she felt all was normal. Has anyone had a high alkaline phosphatase result? What should I expect or push for in the way of additional tests if she remains unconcerned when I see her? Thanks
Sounds like a repeat test will be scheduled to confirm.
Thanks. I was thinking I should probably ask for another test even if she was not concerned. Thanks for confirming that.
Every doctor’s office seems to have it’s own range from lab results. I like to look at the Mayo and see what they recommend.
I found this on their lab testing site and find it interesting to see how different the age groups are. These numbers are all in the link below.
Alkaline Phosphatase Serum
Males older than 19 45-115 U/L
Females:
17-23 52-144
24-25 37-98
46-50 39-100
51-55 41-108
56-60 46-118
61-65 50-130
I think doctors need to find a way to justify the test to the health insurance carrier, so you might ask the cost of the test and tell them you will pay for it yourself if insurance won’t cover.
The link shows first Alk Phosph Serum and then Alk Phosph, total & Isoenzymes, Serum
http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/89503
I had high Alkaline Phosphate results for three blood draws in a row- December, February, and April. They were between the high 160s and the low 180s. After these three draws, they did the Isoenzyme draw to figure out whether it was the stomach, liver, or bone AP that was causing the rise. That test showed all of my results within normal range so the docs aren’t concerned. They’re just going to keep an eye on it.
For what it’s worth, no one commented on the high results until I brought them up. None of my doctors seemed concerned about it but since I have complicated health conditions, my PCP ran the Ioenzyme panel just to make sure that they weren’t coming from my liver (which is a potential complication of a few of my meds).
Since you’re already getting blood draws (I assume you are getting these somewhat regularly?), you can just keep an eye on it and raise the question to your docs if you are concerned.
My doctor typically sends me annually for blood tests due the lipitor (used to be crestor, but the insurance company made me switch last year). My alkaline phosphate was always below 100, until this test which was 180.
I thought it was related to bone growth . . . usually higher in children (?). But it looks like it can be other stuff too. Maybe ask about any medications you’re taking?
I thought it was related to the use of this enzyme in organic synthesis or oligo analysis. Lol, wrong forum. 
Lol, BB.
I missed the part where you’re having a physical on Monday. Just bring up the tests to your PCP. It looks like increased ALP levels is a known side effect of Lipitor. If your PCP isn’t the one prescribing Lipitor, bring it up with whichever doc is the prescribing doctor.
My PCP was not very alarmed about the elevated level since other liver enzymes were normal. She was going to simply re-check in a month, until I told her I have been having a lot of joint pain. She then decided to have me go off lipitor for three months and then re-test.