Acid Phos, Prostatic (PAP)

APP

Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP)

Quest Code
7812

1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST), transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial

0.5 mL

1 mL serum collected in a no additive (red-top) tube, transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial

Please submit a separate, frozen vial for each test ordered requiring a frozen sample.
Samples should be obtained before rectal examination, biopsy, prostatectomy, or prostatic massage, since manipulating the prostate gland may lead to elevated PAP levels persisting up to 24-48 hours.

Frozen

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days

Gross hemolysis

Monday-Saturday p.m.

Same day

Prostatic message, urinary catheter, rectal examination, and other physical contact with the prostate may cause elevated results.

High concentrations of acid phosphatase are found in the prostate gland. Significant amounts are also found in platelets, bone, spleen, kidney and liver. Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) is a component of total acid phosphates and is a major constituent in seminal fluid and is also secreted in the urine. PAP is normally found in serum in very low levels. PAP measurement has found clinical application in the management of prostatic cancer patients. Serum PAP measurements have been useful in monitoring remission or relapse of a prostatic malignancy and in assessing the effectiveness of various treatment regimes. Thus, normalization in serum PAP levels has been observed following successful therapeutic intervention, while recurrent or residual disease has been associated with elevated levels of PAP.