For a brief introduction and guide to abbreviations, see Laboratory Tests: General Remarks.
Reference range, target level, or decision threshold
Men: <6.5 IU/L!!!
Women: <5.5 IU/L!!!
Interpretation of results
↑ Bone diseases: Osteolytic lesions, inflammation, prostate cancer
This marker is no longer available from many laboratories in Canada, as it is considered obsolete for many of the original indications. In the United States, it is available as total or prostatic acid phosphatase. There is also a tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP) test, performed in osteoporosis and other conditions where bone resorption is important.