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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (e.g., serum) to determine the isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase (AP) produced by the osteoblasts in the bones. These immunoassays provide the specificity and sensitivity needed to differentiate bone AP isoenzymes from the AP produced in the liver or kidneys. An increased level of AP bone isoenzymes in serum reflects increased osteoblast activity or bone formation (i.e., AP bone isoenzymes are a marker of bone formation); abnormal high levels are frequently found in diseases characterized by inadequate or delayed mineralization of bone, such as rickets disease in children, osteomalacia in adults, Paget\'s disease, and osteitis deformans (a disease characterized by increased bone resorption followed by excessive attempts of repair).
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