Prostatic Acid Phosphatase
Also known as: PAP
Use
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) is used in predicting disease recurrence or monitoring treatment effects in prostate cancer. However, it has little clinical utility as a screening test for prostate cancer, where Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is the preferred test. Elevations in PAP may occur due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate massage, or prostatic infarction, which can result in misleading PAP levels.
Special Instructions
Specimen should be obtained before any manipulation of the prostate such as rectal examination, biopsy, or prostatectomy, as these can elevate PAP levels. The serum separator tube should be used for collection, and proper handling to freeze is required.
Limitations
Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. PAP levels should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant prostate disease. The test is not recommended for prostate cancer screening due to limited clinical utility.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20420-6
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.
Patient Preparation
Specimen should be obtained before rectal examination, biopsy, prostatectomy or prostatic massage.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens refrigerated more than 24 hours or left at room temperature more than 3 hours.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 hours |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant