LAP (LEUCOCYTE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE) SCORE

In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, the LAP Score is typically low due to reduced enzyme activity in neutrophils. In contrast, reactive conditions like infections or inflammation usually produce elevated LAP Scores, helping clinicians distinguish between these disorders.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a LAP Score test if you have persistently elevated white blood cell counts, symptoms suggestive of a blood disorder, unexplained fever, or laboratory findings requiring differentiation between leukemia and reactive leukocytosis.

A low LAP Score is commonly associated with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), where neutrophils have reduced alkaline phosphatase activity. However, additional diagnostic tests, including molecular studies, are required to confirm the diagnosis accurately.

A high LAP Score is commonly seen in leukemoid reactions, severe bacterial infections, inflammatory conditions, pregnancy, and some myeloproliferative disorders. The result should always be interpreted alongside other clinical and laboratory findings for an accurate diagnosis.