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What Causes Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Level?

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: I recently had a physical where my alkaline phosphate was elevated but GGT, ALT, and AST were all within the normal range. Also direct billrubin, total billirubin and albumin were also in range. Should I be tested for Hep C?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Get tested for HepatitisC only if you are among the groups mentioned below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
There is a slight correction I would like to make with reference to what you have written in your query above.

Your report shows Alkaline phosphatase level of 94 with normal reference range of 25 to 122 in the laboratory where the test was done. Going by this range your values of Alkaline phosphatase is normal.

The cholesterol, HDL and potassium values are borderline and not a concern. Your heart disease risk due to cholesterol is low.

Concerning Hepatitis C testing, it is an infective condition and not routinely done.

In US healthcare professionals, it is recommended in healthcare, emergency medical, and public safety workers after needle sticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures to HCV-positive blood.

In the US general population, Hepatitis C testing is recommended in the following individuals.
HCV-testing is recommended for those who:
1. Currently inject drugs
2. Ever injected drugs, including those who injected once or a few times many years ago
3. Have certain medical conditions, including persons:
(i) who received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987
(ii) who were ever on long-term hemodialysis
(iii) with persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT)
(iv) who have HIV infection
4. Were prior recipients of transfusions or organ transplants

If you belong to any of the above listed mentioned groups then please get tested for Hepatitis C.

There is no need to get tested in you do not fit in to the above categories.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)
I have had annual physical data where the alkaline phosphate levels were elevated but never the ALT. My concern is that 25 years ago I did recieve oral from a protitute and may have put my finger in her virgina. That along with the elevated alkaline Phasphate has caused recent concerns. I am married and have been monogumous since that one event. Would you be concerned for Hep C?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hepatitis C least likely, can get tested for Hepatitis B instead.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I would like to mention that elevated Alkaline phosphatase levels that has come back to normal is not a concern.

Regarding Hepatitis C, it is less transmissible by sex and least likely by oral sex that has happened 25 years back. Hepatitis is more transmitted by contact with infected blood.

Instead I would like you to get tested for Hepatitis B, which is transmitted sexually but this is also least likely to have happened if your liver function tests and ultrasound scan liver are within acceptable limits.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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What Causes Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Level?

Brief Answer: Get tested for HepatitisC only if you are among the groups mentioned below. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. There is a slight correction I would like to make with reference to what you have written in your query above. Your report shows Alkaline phosphatase level of 94 with normal reference range of 25 to 122 in the laboratory where the test was done. Going by this range your values of Alkaline phosphatase is normal. The cholesterol, HDL and potassium values are borderline and not a concern. Your heart disease risk due to cholesterol is low. Concerning Hepatitis C testing, it is an infective condition and not routinely done. In US healthcare professionals, it is recommended in healthcare, emergency medical, and public safety workers after needle sticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures to HCV-positive blood. In the US general population, Hepatitis C testing is recommended in the following individuals. HCV-testing is recommended for those who: 1. Currently inject drugs 2. Ever injected drugs, including those who injected once or a few times many years ago 3. Have certain medical conditions, including persons: (i) who received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987 (ii) who were ever on long-term hemodialysis (iii) with persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) (iv) who have HIV infection 4. Were prior recipients of transfusions or organ transplants If you belong to any of the above listed mentioned groups then please get tested for Hepatitis C. There is no need to get tested in you do not fit in to the above categories. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek