Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme(s) are a family of enzymes that remove phosphate from other molecules.  There are three main family members, coming from liver, bone and instestines. They are called isoenzymes, since they have the same function, but are also different depending upon their source.

Since the enzyme must be synthesized within the cell, low levels can indicate insufficient production of this important hormone. 

While most of the enzyme resides within the cell, some does get into the blood, which is how it’s conventionally tested. If the cells of a particular organ are damaged, they will release more into the blood causing high levels.

With conventional labs like LabCorp and Quest, levels of Alkaline Phosphatase are measured as a part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (“CMP”) done often by primary and specialist physicians. A separate test can distinguish the different isoenzymes, especially when seeking a source of an elevated level.