Biochemistry Test

Test : Acid phosphatase


Indications : An acid phosphatase (AP) test is mostly advised to evaluate the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body, in which cases the levels are elevated. This is particularly true in cases where the malignancy has spread to the bones. Removing the tumor automatically brings down the levels of the enzyme (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Elevation of serum acid phosphatase in cancers with bone metastasis

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However, it must be noted that this test will not help you to identify your risk for prostate cancer before the condition develops (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prostate Cancer

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Increased level of acid phosphatase is also seen in cases of hyperthyroidism, Gaucher’s disease and some blood cell diseases (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acid phosphatase in Gaucher's disease

Go to source). The test may also be ordered to analyze dysfunction in the heart, liver or other organs.

Acid phosphatase test is also ordered during rape investigations as the levels of the enzyme are very high in the semen (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Biological Evidence Management for DNA Analysis in Cases of Sexual Assault

Go to source). The AP test is a routine assay used to diagnose cases for the possible presence of semen.

Procedure for Acid Phosphatase Test

This color test is carried out on filter paper which is retained after testing. Two-year-old AP test papers were found to contain sufficient DNA. Prior to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, the DNA was preferentially separated into sperm depleted and sperm enriched cell fractions (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
The use of acid phosphatase test papers for DNA profiling

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To carry out the test, a blood sample will be drawn intravenously from the candidate. The patient must refrain from going through a rectal massage or rectal exam 2-3 days before the actual test.  

Physiology : Acid phosphatase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate esters in an acidic environment. This chemical reaction is essential to different metabolic processes. Acid phosphatases are present in both the animal and the plant species (6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acid Phosphatase

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Despite their ubiquitous presence, the role of acid phosphatase is not clearly understood. However, research has given some indications that, in humans, these enzymes can be used as tools for clinical diagnosis.

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase can be used as a biochemical marker of osteoclast function during the process of bone resorption.

Different forms of acid phosphatase are found in different organs, and their serum levels are used to evaluate the success of the surgical treatment of prostate cancer.

Acid phosphatase is primarily found in the prostate gland. It is also present in the spleen, liver, blood cells, and bone marrow. If any of these organs or tissues are not functioning in the proper manner, they tend to release acid phosphatase into the bloodstream (7^✔ ✔Trusted Source
About Acid phosphatases

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Normal Range : 0 to 0.8 units per liter (8^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acid phosphatase

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Interpretation :

Normal levels of acid phosphatase in the human blood are between 0 to 0.8 units per liter (9^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Values adapted from User's Guide, ARUP Laboratories 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Go to source). Increased levels of the enzyme can indicate any of the following (10^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acid phosphatase

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• Prostate cancer that has metastasized, especially to the bones
• Kidney disease
• Paget’s disease –a condition that makes bones thick and soft
• Anemia-low red blood cell count
• Prostatitis –inflammation of prostate
• Thrombophlebitis –Inflammation and small blood clots in a vein, mostly in the leg
• Gaucher disease – A condition that occurs due to impaired lipid metabolism
• Hyperparathyroidism-A condition caused by increased activity of the parathyroid gland
• Multiple myeloma – Malignancy affecting the plasma cells of the bone marrow.

More Information

Acid phosphate value above the normal level in blood indicates a decreased blood flow to the prostate. This state can not only be brought on by malignancies and other conditions but it can also be caused by stimulation of the prostate gland through prostate examinations, colonoscopy, or enemas.

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