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Test Code PACP Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, Serum

Reporting Name

Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, S

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

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


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.

Collection Container/Tube: 

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.4 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  180 days

Reference Values

≤2.1 ng/mL

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

84066

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PACP Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, S 20420-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
PACP Prostatic Acid Phosphatase, S 20420-6

Clinical Information

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), a glycoprotein synthesized by the prostate gland, is a member of a diverse group of isoenzymes that are capable of hydrolyzing phosphate esters in acidic medium. They are classified based on 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 applications, PSA provides more information and also should be utilized.

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.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

2 weeks

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Method Name

Automated Chemiluminescent Immunometric Assay