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25066 Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic (PACP)

Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic (PACP)
Test Code: ACIDSO
Synonyms/Keywords
Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic Isoenzyme, ELISA, PAP, Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, Phosphatase
Useful For
Aiding in predicting recurrence after radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer
 
Following response to androgen ablation therapy, when used in conjunction with prostate-specific antigen
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
Serum​ ​Red Top Tube (RTT) ​Serum Separator Tube (SST) ​1 mL ​0.4 mL
Collection Processing Instructions

Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.

Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
​Serum ​ ​Refrigerated (preferred) ​7 days
​Frozen ​180 days
Rejection Criteria
Hemolysis Gross reject
Interference

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) measurement must not be regarded as an absolute test for malignancy since other factors, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic infarction, and manipulation of the prostate gland may result in elevated serum PAP concentrations.

PAP measurements provide little additional information beyond that provided by prostate-specific antigen measurements.

Human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) may be present in specimens from patients who have received immunotherapy utilizing monoclonal antibodies. Other heterophile antibodies also may be present in patient specimens. This assay has been specifically formulated to minimize the effects of these antibodies on the assay. However, carefully evaluate results from patients known to have such antibodies.

Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Report Available Methodology/Instrumentation
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories Monday, Wednesday, Friday ​1 to 3 days
Automated Chemiluminescent Immunometric Assay​
Reference Lab
Test Information
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), a glycoprotein synthesized by the prostate gland, is a member of a diverse group of isoenzymes, the acid phosphatases, that are capable of hydrolyzing phosphate esters in acidic medium. They are classified on the basis of their electrophoretic mobilities.
 
PAP was a major tumor marker for prostate cancer for more than 50 years.(1) However, PAP is no longer used to screen for or stage prostate cancer. In most instances, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) is used instead. PAP usefulness is now limited to niche applications. Pre-treatment PAP measurement may add unique, clinically useful prognostic information for predicting recurrence in men who are undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. PAP also may be useful for following the progression of disease response to therapy in men treated by androgen ablation. However, for both of these applications, PSA provides more information and also should be utilized.
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Mayo Medical Laboratories
< or =2.1 ng/mL
Interpretation
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) levels above the reference range may indicate prostate cancer, but can be due to many other factors, see Cautions.
 
A rise in PAP levels in patients with known prostate cancer can indicate tumor progression or recurrence. However, there is considerable intra-subject biological variability, limiting the usefulness of this test.
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
​84066
Synonyms/Keywords
Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic Isoenzyme, ELISA, PAP, Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, Phosphatase
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Cerner ​Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic (PACP)
​COM ​Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic (PACP)
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
Serum​ ​Red Top Tube (RTT) ​Serum Separator Tube (SST) ​1 mL ​0.4 mL
Collection Processing

Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.

Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
​Serum ​ ​Refrigerated (preferred) ​7 days
​Frozen ​180 days
Rejection Criteria
Hemolysis Gross reject
Interference

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) measurement must not be regarded as an absolute test for malignancy since other factors, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic infarction, and manipulation of the prostate gland may result in elevated serum PAP concentrations.

PAP measurements provide little additional information beyond that provided by prostate-specific antigen measurements.

Human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) may be present in specimens from patients who have received immunotherapy utilizing monoclonal antibodies. Other heterophile antibodies also may be present in patient specimens. This assay has been specifically formulated to minimize the effects of these antibodies on the assay. However, carefully evaluate results from patients known to have such antibodies.

Useful For
Aiding in predicting recurrence after radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer
 
Following response to androgen ablation therapy, when used in conjunction with prostate-specific antigen
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Mayo Medical Laboratories
< or =2.1 ng/mL
Interpretation
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) levels above the reference range may indicate prostate cancer, but can be due to many other factors, see Cautions.
 
A rise in PAP levels in patients with known prostate cancer can indicate tumor progression or recurrence. However, there is considerable intra-subject biological variability, limiting the usefulness of this test.
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Report Available Methodology/Instrumentation
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories Monday, Wednesday, Friday ​1 to 3 days
Automated Chemiluminescent Immunometric Assay​
Reference Lab
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
​84066
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.