Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It's normally higher in growing children, teens, and pregnancy.
Why it's done
- Part of liver and metabolic panels
- Bone pain or bone disease
Getting ready and what happens
- You may be asked to fast.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| ALP (adults) | About 40 to 130 U/L (labs vary) |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
High with high GGT
Suggests a liver or bile duct source.
High with normal GGT
Suggests a bone source, like healing fractures, Paget's disease, or vitamin D deficiency.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.