Acid Phosphatase, Serum

What it is:
Acid phosphatase is an enzyme found in many tissues of the body, with the highest levels in the prostate gland. It is measured in the blood to evaluate certain medical conditions.

Uses

• Historically used to help diagnose and monitor prostate cancer (now largely replaced by PSA test)

• Evaluate prostate disease or spread of prostate cancer to bone

• Assess certain bone diseases (e.g., Paget’s disease, Gaucher’s disease)

• Aid in diagnosis of some blood-related conditions (e.g., hairy cell leukemia)

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

• Bone pain or suspected bone metastases

• Enlarged prostate or urinary symptoms

• Unexplained anemia or abnormal blood counts

• Clinical suspicion of prostate cancer spread

Abnormal Results

• High acid phosphatase levels:

  • Prostate cancer (especially metastatic disease)

  • Prostate manipulation (e.g., surgery, biopsy)

  • Paget’s disease of bone

  • Gaucher’s disease

  • Hairy cell leukemia

• Low or normal levels:

  • Generally not clinically significant

Risks

• Minimal, limited to standard risks of a blood draw (mild pain, bruising, dizziness).