Acid phosphatase (ACP)

Alternative names:

male PAP test; prostatic acid phosphatase test; serum acid phosphatase

Normal values:

Values of 0 to 0.8 U/L are normal.

Note: U/L = units per liter

What abnormal results mean:

• prostate cancer that has spread outside the prostate (particularly to bone)
• decreased blood flow to prostate
• Paget's disease (bones become thicker and softer)
• anemia
• infection (usually severe)
• thrombophlebitis
• Gaucher's disease
• hyperparathyroidism
• heart attack
• kidney disease
• physical stimulation of the prostate (colonoscopy, enemas, prostate examination)
• multiple myeloma
• prostatitis