LAP

Leukocytes Alkaline Phosphatase blood test is used to measure the amount of alkaline phosphatase in white blood cells. This test is used to diagnose chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) which is a type of cancer for white blood cells.

What are Leukocytes?

Leukocytes are white blood cells (WBC) which help to fight against infections by attacking germs, viruses, and bacteria in our body and thus an important part of our immune system. White blood cells are originated from bone marrow but circulate throughout the bloodstream.

There are 5 types of white blood cells:

• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Neutrophils
• Basophils
• Eosinophils

What is Alkaline Phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase is a type of enzyme present throughout the body but mainly found in the liver, digestive tract, bones and kidney. Enzymes are proteins useful for chemical reactions. It helps in the breakdown of bigger molecules into small molecules or making the smaller molecules into bigger molecules by joining them together. It also helps in the transport of nutrients and enzymes in the liver, transport of fatty acids, calcium and phosphates in the intestines, in the formation and growth of bones, regulates cell growth, death and migration during fetal development.

Why this test is recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if you are suspected to have chronic myeloid leukemia. This test may also be recommended to check the leukemoid reaction (high levels of white blood cells which is not due to cancer or infection), essential thrombocytosis (an overproduction of blood platelets), aplastic anemia (a disorder in which very fewer blood cells are made by bone marrow), myelofibrosis (a disorder in which bone marrow is scarred), polycythemia vera (a disorder in which too many red blood cells are produced by bone marrow), pernicious anemia ( a disorder in which red blood cells are decreased due to the inability of the stomach to absorb vitamin B12).

The normal test results may vary depending on gender, age, health history, your health condition, etc. If your test results are higher than the normal reference range then it may indicate myelofibrosis, leukemoid reaction, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, etc.

If your test results are lower than the normal reference range then it may indicate chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), pernicious anemia, aplastic anemia, etc.