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Acid phosphatase in the blood.
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
[ Why is acid phosphatase in the blood assessed?
Basically, the acid phosphatase test is prescribed to confirm other prostate cancer tests. Acid phosphatase in the blood that exceeds the normal range is a sign of metastases to bone tissue in oncological processes of various etiologies. In addition, acid phosphatase in the blood that exhibits excessive activity may signal possible problems with hematopoiesis, thromboembolism, deforming osteitis (Paget's disease), hemolytic pathologies. In any case, the results of the test for this enzyme are deciphered taking into account other analytical information, so you should not interpret the form indicators on your own, without the help of a specialist, a doctor.
What is acid phosphatase?
In general, phosphatases are a special type of enzymes that are considered "water" - hydrolases. These substances can be found not only in the human body, but also in tissues, in the organs of almost all animals, and even in all kinds of plants. Phosphatase is actively involved in the normal exchange of all types of carbohydrates, in cell metabolism, according to the latest information, phosphatase also affects the formation and maintenance of normal bone tissue. Any change in the activity of phosphatases in blood plasma indicates one or another pathology. To date, two subtypes of phosphatases have been well studied - alkaline, which is responsible for the bone system and liver function, and acidic phosphatase.
The alkaline enzyme actively works in the small intestine, liver, bones, and in small quantities it is also found in leukocytes. Just like alkaline, acid phosphatase is found almost everywhere in nature. In the human body, it actively works mainly for representatives of the stronger sex, since it is found in large quantities in the ejaculate (sperm), as well as in the tissues of the prostate gland. There are scientific studies that talk about a direct relationship between the synthesis of this phosphatase and the state of the hormonal system. So, if androgens decrease, the activity of phosphatase decreases at the same time. Such signs allow you to recognize the oncological process in the prostate (prostate gland), cryptorchidism in the early stages in time.
Acid phosphatase in the blood is the main and primary marker of the oncological process in the prostate. An activity indicator exceeding the norm usually occurs in cancer without accompanying metastases in a quarter of all those suffering from this disease. In 90% of patients with metastases, the analysis reveals a significant excess of the normal limits. As a single study, acid phosphatase in the blood can be useful only at the first stage of the examination; it is more productive to conduct tests periodically to see the dynamics of enzyme activity and clarify and adjust therapeutic prescriptions.
Acid phosphatase in the blood plays a major role in a completely different area, far removed from medicine – in forensic science. Since the enzyme is especially active in sperm, forensic science uses the corresponding analysis to identify all kinds of stains, smears and material evidence.
Acid phosphatase in the blood: female and male organisms
In representatives of the stronger sex, acid phosphatase is produced in large quantities in the prostate. In such an important organ for men, the activity of phosphatase is a hundred times higher than in other areas less comfortable for this enzyme. The substance is contained in the liver in much smaller quantities. Also, worn-out platelets that have begun to deteriorate are capable of producing acid phosphatase.
In the fair half of the human species, red cells - erythrocytes, as well as platelets and the liver - participate in the production of the enzyme - acid phosphatase.