Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (656 page)

   An assay that includes a hydrolysis step provides total APAP levels, which are not useful for assessing toxicity.

ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

See Salicylates (Aspirin).

ACID PHOSPHATASE

   Definition

   Acid phosphatase is a hydrolytic enzyme secreted by various cells, and it has five isoenzymes. The greatest amount per gram of tissue is found in semen (prostate); it is also detectable in bone, liver, spleen, kidney, RBCs, and platelets. The acid phosphatase test is also known as prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), the serum acid phosphatase test, and the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) test.

   
Normal range:
0–0.8 U/L.

   Use

   Predicts recurrence after radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer and following response to androgen ablation therapy, when used in conjunction with PSA

   Interpretation

Increased In

   Acid phosphatase is increased in the following conditions:

   Prostate cancer

   Gaucher disease and Niemann-Pick disease

   One day to 2 days after prostatic surgery or biopsy

   Prostatic manipulation or catheterization

   Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostate infarct