What is the normal range for alkaline phosphatase?

The normal range for alkaline phosphatase is generally considered to be between 30 and 120 units per liter. This enzyme is primarily found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and bile ducts, and its levels can vary based on age, sex, and the specific laboratory methods used.

When assessing alkaline phosphatase levels, it is important to interpret the results in the context of the overall clinical picture. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as liver disease, bone disorders, or biliary obstruction, whereas a deficiency can be rare but may suggest issues like malnutrition or certain genetic disorders.

The other ranges presented do not accurately reflect typical laboratory findings for alkaline phosphatase, making the selection of the range of 30 to 120 units/L the correct choice for this test.