Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, Serum
Use
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is used to aid in predicting recurrence following radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. It is also used to follow the response to androgen ablation therapy in conjunction with prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Although PAP was historically a major tumor marker for prostate cancer, its utility is now limited due to the greater reliance on PSA for screening and staging. Pre-treatment PAP may provide unique prognostic information, while monitoring PAP along with PSA can be valuable in assessing therapy response.
Special Instructions
For 12 hours before specimen collection, the patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Limitations
PAP levels should not be regarded as definitive for malignancy, as benign conditions like prostatic hyperplasia, infarction, or manipulation can also elevate levels. There is also notable intra-subject variability, limiting its effectiveness as a sole indicator for cancer progression or recurrence. The presence of anti-mouse antibodies from monoclonal immunotherapy, or other heterophile antibodies, could potentially affect test accuracy, despite efforts to minimize these interferences.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent Immunometric Assay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20420-6
- 20420-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Red top (preferred), Serum gel (acceptable), Plastic vial (submission)
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection, the patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |