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The Role of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in Hypophosphatasia (HPP)

When you understand ALP, you unlock the why
behind HPP

When people have low ALP over time, they may have HPP

ALP is an enzyme your body needs to do important jobs such as:
Build strong bones
Build strong bones
Keep your brain healthy
Keep your brain healthy
Support muscle strength
Support muscle strength
That’s why having low ALP over time may be linked to issues with your bones, brain, and muscles.

Low ALP over time means having 2 or more ALP levels below normal range, measured at least 30 days apart.

Enzyme=a helper protein in the body that speeds up important processes so your body can work properly.

If you think you may have HPP, I would recommend to start by going to your primary doctor. Ask for the routine blood work that has ALP in it.

- Amy, Living With HPP

How do you know if you or your loved one has low ALP?

ALP is part of a common blood test that may already be in medical files, so consider talking with a doctor if there are any questions about ALP levels.

This test is called a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). On lab results, ALP may appear as “alk phos” or “alkaline phosphatase.” Past results can often be found in electronic health records or patient portals.  

If this information is available, the ALP calculator below can help take the next step toward understanding what the numbers mean.

ALP calculator

Do you know your alkaline phosphatase level?
Enter your age and alkaline phosphatase value from a recently administered blood test to find out more. This tool is for educational purposes and does not replace a healthcare professional’s judgment or clinical diagnosis.

Did you know you can find your ALP levels on a comprehensive blood panel? They can be checked with a simple blood test.
This tool is not intended for use in the diagnosis of any disease or condition, or for the cure, mitigation, or treatment of any disease or condition. It does not replace a healthcare professional’s judgment or clinical diagnosis.

Adapted from the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) project (Colantonio et al, 2012). No variation in ALP based on ethnic differences was observed. Reference intervals shown were established on the Abbott ARCHITECT C8000 analyzer.

Check with your doctor for the appropriate age- and sex-adjusted reference range. Low ALP is not conclusive for diagnosis of HPP. Patients should be evaluated for other symptoms of HPP, and differential diagnosis should be ruled out.

Checking your or your loved one’s ALP numbers is a big part of finding answers. This information can help support more informed conversations with a doctor.

Taking the next step can mean checking symptoms with an interactive tool or using the HPP Symptom Discussion guide for more detailed support.

Could it be HPP? Brochure

Use this guide to reflect more deeply on symptoms and prepare for your next doctor visit.

How low ALP helped explain Carol’s symptoms

Hear Carol share how discovering low ALP levels on lab results helped connect her symptoms and bring clarity to her HPP diagnosis.

What counts as low ALP over time?

An ALP level that is considered low will vary depending on your age and whether you are a male or female. If someone has two or more low ALP levels that are at least 30 days apart, it can be a sign of potential HPP.

Because reference ranges vary across age and sex groups, understanding what your result means can be complex.
Your numbers may help find long-awaited answers related to your health. Use the ALP calculator to see how your levels compare based on your age and sex.
Female Low ALP
This tool is not intended for use in the diagnosis of any disease or condition, or for the cure, mitigation, or treatment of any disease or condition. It does not replace a healthcare professional’s judgment or clinical diagnosis.

0 days-<19 yrs values were adapted from the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) project (Adeli et al, 2017). Adult values were adapted from the Associated Regional and University Pathologists (ARUP) Laboratories Test Directory. No variation in ALP based on ethnic differences was observed. CALIPER reference intervals were established on the Abbott ARCHITECT C8000 analyzer.

Check with your doctor for the appropriate age- and sex-adjusted reference range. Low ALP is not conclusive for diagnosis of HPP. Patients should be evaluated for other symptoms of HPP, and differential diagnosis should be ruled out.

HPP Symptoms
Learn how symptoms can affect different parts of the body and vary from person to person.

Explore Resources
Discover helpful tools, downloadable resources, advocacy groups, and other ways to stay informed and supported.

Stay connected with updates and information about HPP, no matter where you or your loved one is on the journey.

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