Prostatic acid phosphatase

Prostatic acid phosphatase is pronounced prah-STA-tik A-sid FOS-fuh-tays. Also called PAP, it is a tumor marker and an enzyme produced by the prostate.

Clinical significance

It may be found in increased amounts in men who have prostate cancer.

Blood test

A test of blood serum to detect a specific enzyme produced by several tissues, particularly the prostate.

Tumors producing PAP

Acid phosphatase levels are elevated in 85% of cases with skeletal metastases, 60% of untreated cases, and 20% of localized cases.

Usually ordered as a separate laboratory test. It may also be ordered as prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), a measure of acid phosphatase secreted by prostate gland cells specifically.

Test compounding factors

The test results may be affected by recent prostatic massage or palpation; acid phosphatase level should be assayed before digital rectal examination.

Normal levels

• 1.0 - 4 King Armstrong microns/dl
• 0.5 - 2 Bodansky or Gutman microns/dl
• 0 - 1.1 Shinowara microns/ml
• 0.1 - 0.73 Bessy Lowry microns/nk.
• 0.5 - 11.0 units/L

Also see

• Prostate specific antigen
• Alkaline phosphatase