Acid Phosphatase Test- Why am I having this test?
Acid Phosphatase Test may be elevated with diseases of the prostate or following procedures that manipulate the prostate.
Acid phosphatase is an enzyme found in many tissues, but it is highest in the prostate. It is elevated in cancer of the prostate, but it is not specific for carcinoma of the prostate.
This means that it cannot be used as a screening test for cancer of the prostate, but it may be helpful in following this illness. It is elevated when cancer of the prostate has spread. It may also be elevated with other tumors that have spread to bone.
This can include bladder catheterization, examination of the prostate by physical exam or recent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), or with urinary retention. It may also be elevated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is the enlargement of the prostate that normally occurs with aging. BPH is noncancerous (benign). This test is most often normal with cancer of the prostate that has not spread beyond the prostate and is in an early stage of the disease.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a vein.
How do I prepare for this test?
There is no preparation required for this test.
What are the reference ranges?
Reference ranges are considered healthy ranges established after testing a large group of healthy people. Reference ranges may vary among different people, labs, and hospitals. It is your responsibility to obtain your test results. Ask the lab or department performing the test when and how you will get your results.
Reference ranges are the following:
- Adult or elderly: 0.13–0.63 units/L (Roy, Brower, Hayden, 37°C) or 2.2–10.5 units/L (SI units).
- Child: 8.6–12.6 units/mL (30°C).
- Newborn: 10.4–16.4 units/mL (30°C).
What do the results mean?
Talk with your health care provider to discuss your results, treatment options, and if necessary, the need for more tests. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your results.
Talk with your health care provider to discuss your results, treatment options, and if necessary, the need for more tests. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your results.
