Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP), Serum

Test ID: 

704269

CPT code:

84066

Synonyms:

•Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic

Clinical Use:

An adjunct in the evaluation of possible prostatic malignancy and useful in monitoring therapeutic progress.

Additional Information:

Prostatic acid phosphatase has been used as a tumor marker ever since the observation by Gutman in 19381 that elevated levels of this enzyme are found in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. PAP determination in conjunction with PSA measurements is useful in assessing the prognosis of prostate cancer.2 Measurement of two markers allows identification of prostate cancer patients who have an elevation of PAP but not of PSA, and thus help monitoring the course of disease and response to treatment. PAP is more specific than PSA and less false-positives are seen due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Specimen Type:

Serum

Requested Volume: 

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.2 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube; do not use acid phosphatase transport tube.

Collection:

If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Specimen should be free of hemolysis and lipemia.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate

Expected Turnaround Time:

1 to 2 Days

Rejection Criteria:

Plasma specimen.