If alkaline phosphatase levels are elevated, what is the next test that should be checked?

When alkaline phosphatase levels are elevated, checking gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is the next logical step because GGT is another enzyme that specifically indicates liver or biliary tract disease when elevated. It helps to confirm whether the source of the alkaline phosphatase elevation is hepatic or related to other conditions such as bone disease.

An elevated GGT alongside alkaline phosphatase suggests a liver or bile duct issue, while a normal GGT in conjunction with increased alkaline phosphatase often points towards a bone pathology instead. This distinction is crucial in diagnosing the underlying cause of the elevated alkaline phosphatase.

Other tests like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are also related to liver function but do not help differentiate between liver and bone causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase as effectively as GGT does. Bilirubin levels can provide insight into liver function but do not specifically address the source of elevated alkaline phosphatase. Therefore, GGT is the most informative next step in this context.