What does ALP stand for?

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ALP stands for alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in the bile duct cells of the liver as well as in bone, placenta, and other tissues. It works best at alkaline pH, which is why it’s named alkaline phosphatase. In liver-related testing, ALP rises most with cholestasis or biliary obstruction because the bile ducts release more of this enzyme into the bloodstream. It’s a helpful marker for biliary issues, but not perfectly specific to the liver since bone and other tissues can raise ALP too. The other enzymes listed—acid phosphatase and the aminotransferases ALT and AST—reflect different processes: acid phosphatase is associated with other tissues, while ALT and AST indicate hepatocellular injury rather than bile duct problems.