LAP Score Leucocyte Alkaline Phosphatase Test

The LAP test is a laboratory test conducted on the sample of blood to check the level of alkaline, phosphates and group of enzymes. These enzymes are found throughout the body, especially in liver, kidney, bile duct and in the placenta in a pregnant woman. It is primarily used in patients with an elevated White blood cell levels to differentiate reactive process from myelogenous leukaemia. A lower score on the test indicates that the person could have myolegenous Leukemia. This test is used very sparingly in the present.

If the patient suffers from a bleeding disorder, the same has to be conveyed to the medical practitioner. Depending on the patient's condition or requirement, the doctor may advise the following: To stop eating or drinking before 6 hours or so To stop taking specific medication or supplement beforehand including medicines that can alter your test results.

The LAP test was used to diagnose chronic myeloid leukaemia, a sort of cancer that affects the white blood cells. With the advent of more advanced tests, LAP is used in conjuncture to have precise results. Other cases where a doctor may ask for a LAP test score is as follows:

• An elevated white blood cell levels otherwise called as the leukemoid reaction that's not caused by cancer or any other infection.
• Overproduction of blood platelets AKA thrombocytosis.
• A disorder called Myelofibrosis where scarring of the bone marrow occurs.
• A disorder called polycythemia vera in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells.
• Aplastic anaemia, a condition where bone marrow makes decidedly less red blood cells.
• Pernicious anaemia mostly caused by the stomach's inability to absorb vitamin B12.

It's a simple blood test that's done by a lab technician. Only a small quantity of sample is required. The technician observes your arm for the veins visibility. Once he determines where he has to inject, he cleans the area with an antiseptic. An elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm for easy collection of blood.

He slowly injects the sterile needle into the vein and draws out the blood. It shouldn't take anything more than a couple of minutes. Slight pain is caused while drawing blood. There could be multiple punctures if the technician is not able to spot the right vein at the first attempt. The lab technician further observes the blood sample under a microscope and count the amount of staining, a process that reveals the enzymes in 100 white blood cells.