Acid Phosphatase Test
Alternate Names : Prostatic Acid Phosphatase Test, Serum Acid Phosphatase Test, PAP Test, Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase Test, TRAP Test
The acid phosphatase test measures the level of acid
phosphatase in the blood. Acid phosphatase is an enzyme found in the
prostate gland, semen, liver, spleen, blood cells, and bone marrow. If
these organs and tissues are not functioning right, they may release
acid phosphatase into the bloodstream.
Who is a candidate for the test?
The acid phosphatase test is used primarily to diagnose
and stage cancer of the prostate
and to monitor the effect of the treatment. It may also be used to detect
damage to the heart, liver, and other organs.
How is the test performed?
To measure the amount of acid phosphatase in the
blood, a blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. First, the skin
over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. A tourniquet is wrapped
around the upper arm to enlarge the veins. A small needle is
inserted into a vein, and blood is collected for testing in the laboratory.
After the tourniquet is removed, a cotton ball is held over the needle site
until bleeding stops.
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