ACID PHOSPHATASE TOTAL

Total Acid Phosphatase (ACP) is a blood test that measures the overall level of the enzyme acid phosphatase in the body.

This enzyme works best in an acidic environment and is found in several tissues, especially:

• Prostate gland

• Red blood cells

• Liver

• Bone

• Platelets

🔬 What Acid Phosphatase Does

Acid phosphatase helps break down phosphate-containing molecules inside cells, particularly in structures called lysosomes.

🩺 Why Doctors Order This Test

Historically, it was used to evaluate:

• Prostate cancer

• Prostate disorders

• Certain bone diseases

• Blood cell disorders

⚠️ Today, it has mostly been replaced by the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test for prostate evaluation.

📊 Normal Range

• Typically 0–5.5 U/L
  (Reference ranges vary by laboratory.)

📈 Elevated Levels May Be Seen In

• Advanced prostate cancer

• Bone disease

• Hemolytic anemia

• Liver disease

• After prostate manipulation (exam, biopsy)

📝 Key Points

• “Total” measures all sources of acid phosphatase.

• Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a specific subtype.

• Not commonly used now due to PSA testing.