Acid Phosphatase - Prostatic Test

Prostatic acid phosphatase is a glycoprotein which is synthesized by the prostate gland. The acid phosphatase is a membrane of a diverse group of isoenzymes which are capable of hydrolyzing phosphate esters in acid medium. Prostatic acid phosphatase test is clinically useful prognostic information for predicting recurrence in men who are undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. PAP is very useful in predicting distant failure in higher-risk patients for whom high levels of local control are achieved with aggressive initial local treatment. PAP is also valuable for following the progression of disease response to men therapy being treated by androgen ablation. A re-evaluation of the potential contribution of the PAP test seems timely, as prostate cancer care becomes increasingly focused on identifying the minority of patients who would be benefited from aggressive systemic therapy.

As such no special preparation is required for prostatic acid phosphatase test. The patient should inform the doctor if he/she is under any medications or have any underlying allergies or medical conditions before going for the prostatic acid phosphatase test. The doctor will provide specific instructions depending on your condition. The specimen of the blood sample must be obtained before the prostatic massage, biopsy or rectal examination. This is because the manipulation of the prostate gland might lead to elevated prostatic acid phosphatase levels persisting up to 24 to 48 hours.

Prostatic acid phosphatase test is primarily used to monitor the level to which prostate cancer has progressed. There is a rise in the level of acid phosphatase when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Especially, when cancer reaches to bones, the level rises. There is a fall in the level of acid phosphatase if there is a reduction or removal of the tumor. As acid phosphatase is very concentrated in semen, the test is also performed on rape investigations. The test shows significant readings after the condition has already developed within the body.

Prostatic acid phosphates test is conducted by using the Automated method on a blood sample. The patient is asked to wear a half sleeves or no sleeves t-shirt. An alcohol pad is rubbed on the area from where the blood sample will be collected. Some amount of blood sample is drawn from the patient arms with the help of a needle. The blood sample is then collected in a small bottle and is then sent to the laboratory for examination. The examination will help in finding out whether the increased levels of acid phosphatase are being emitted by the prostate gland or red blood cells.