Analytical and physiological characteristics of prostate-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase in serum compared.

R. B. Schifman, F. R. Ahmann, A. Elvick, M. Ahmann, K. Coulis, M. K. Brawer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

We did a comparative analysis of the physiological and analytical properties of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), acid phosphatase (ACP; EC 3.1.32) activity, and acid phosphatase antigen (PAP) in serum. The PSA assay is sensitive to 0.2 microgram/L and demonstrates good linearity (y = 1.01x + 0.74). The CV was 3.9% at 40 micrograms/L, 8.0% at 3.1 micrograms/L. PSA and PAP are less stable at 4 degrees C than at -20 degrees C. Serum PAP and ACP concentrations showed large intra-individual fluctuations (average CVs of 22% and 24%, respectively), which were not observed with PSA measurements (average CV 6.2%). We saw significant correlation with the magnitude of physiological change when analytes were compared for serially collected split samples [y(PSA) = 0.14x(PAP) + 0.00, r = 0.767], which indicates that a common factor is influencing this variation. The excellent analytical performance, tissue specificity, and small degree of intra-individual variance are characteristics that favor the measurement of PSA in serum for monitoring patients with prostatic cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2086-2088
Number of pages3
JournalClinical chemistry
Volume33
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry, medical

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