ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Prostatic Acid Phosphatase : 0070120

Mnemonic: PAP

Ordering Recommendation: Obsolete test for prostate cancer screening; preferred test is total prostate specific antigen (0070121) in conjunction with digital rectal exam.
Methodology: Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Specimen should be obtained before rectal examination, biopsy, prostatectomy or prostatic massage, since manipulation of the prostate gland may lead to elevated PAP levels persisting up to 24-48 hours.

Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.

Remarks:

Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens refrigerated more than 24 hours or left at room temperature more than 3 hours.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 3 hours; Refrigerated: 24 hours; Frozen: 6 months
Reference Interval:
0.0-3.5 ng/mL
Interpretive Data: The Siemens Immulite2000 PAP chemiluminescent immunoassay method is used. Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. PAP may be of some use in predicting disease recurrence or monitoring treatment effects. It has little clinical utility as a screening test for prostate cancer. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the preferred test for prostate cancer screening, monitoring, and predicting outcomes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate massage, and prostatic infarction may result in elevated PAP concentrations. The PAP assay value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease.
CPT Code(s): 84066
Cross References: Acid Phosphatase (Prostatic Acid Phosphatase), PAP (Prostatic Acid Phosphatase)