acid phosphatase
Last reviewed 10/2023
Acid phosphatase is an enzyme that hydrolyses phosphate esters. It is found in different forms in the prostate, liver, erythrocytes, platelets and bone. It is unstable and should be transported to the laboratory rapidly.
Reference values are 0.1 to 0.4 i.u./l from a serum specimen. The prostatic form is the most useful clinically; its activity can be elucidated by removing its effect from that of all the acid phosphatases with inhibitors such as tartrate.