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Different forms of acid phosphatase are found in different organs, and their serum levels are used to evaluate the success of the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. In the past, they were also used to diagnose this type of cancer
Generally speaking, ACP can be found in certain organs and tissues, including blood cells, bone marrow, the spleen, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. This substance is found in the greatest concentration in the prostate, however, and up to1,000 times greater in seminal fluid than any other bodily fluid. The latter fact is useful in the science of forensics since the detection of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in vaginal tissue measuring levels greater than3 U/ML (units per milliliter) is used as supporting evidence that a rape has occurred. Additional evidence to confirm that the presence of this enzyme is from semen rather than vaginal fluid is gathered from a PAP assay, which is a quantitative measurement of the various isoenzymes found in ACP generated exclusively by the prostate. In addition, the administration of this test typically coincides with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which confirms the presence of sperm.
Measuring serum levels of ACP is useful in the diagnosis of a variety of medical conditions. For example, abnormal levels may indicate the presence of systemic infection, anemia, hepatisis, thrombophlebitis, or hyperparathyroidism. Elevated levels of PAP in particular is associated with inflammation of the prostate, as well as prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. Phosphatase testing is also used to assess enzymatic damage caused by kidney disease, liver disease, or a heart attack. This test is also performed when certain chronic metabolic or bone diseases are suspected, such as Gaucher disease and Paget disease.
A simple blood test can be used to determine the levels of this enzyme. The blood sample is exposed to one of several agents to elicit an enzymatic reaction, namely4-aminoantipyrine, or a solution of disodium phenyl phosphate and citrate. To measure levels of PAP, tartrate is used. By observing the reaction with these different agents, the clinician is able to determine which tissue is releasing phosphatase enzymes into the bloodstream and what type they are. Usually, the test results are available within one to two days.
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