What is the Acid Phosphatase – Total Test?

The Acid Phosphatase – Total test measures the overall level of acid phosphatase enzymes present in the blood. Acid phosphatase is produced by several tissues in the body, including the prostate gland, bones, liver, spleen and red blood cells.

Historically, acid phosphatase testing has been used in the assessment of prostate disease, particularly before the widespread use of PSA testing. While PSA is now more commonly used, total acid phosphatase still has clinical value in specific scenarios, including monitoring advanced prostate conditions and evaluating certain bone or blood-related disorders.

This test may also be used as part of a broader diagnostic work-up when enzyme abnormalities are detected or when additional clarification is required.

Why do I need a test for Acid Phosphatase?

You may need this test if there is a clinical reason to assess enzyme activity linked to prostate tissue or bone metabolism. It can be helpful when prostate-related disease is suspected or when monitoring known conditions where acid phosphatase may become elevated.

Testing may also be considered in cases of unexplained bone pain, suspected bone involvement in systemic disease, or when other laboratory markers do not fully explain symptoms. Although not used for routine screening, this test provides targeted information in specific clinical contexts.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Monitoring known prostate disease
• Suspected advanced prostate involvement
• Unexplained bone pain
• Suspected bone metastases
• Abnormal enzyme results requiring clarification
• Follow-up of certain haematological conditions
• Evaluation alongside other prostate or bone markers

Benefits of the Acid Phosphatase – Total Test

• Provides additional insight into prostate-related conditions
  Useful in selected cases where prostate involvement is suspected or monitored.
• Supports assessment of bone-related disease
  Acid phosphatase may rise in conditions involving increased bone breakdown.
• Complements other prostate markers
  Adds supporting information when used alongside PSA and imaging.
• Helps monitor advanced disease activity
  Can reflect disease progression in specific prostate conditions.
• Useful when PSA results are inconclusive
  Provides an alternative biochemical marker in complex cases.
• Assists in evaluating systemic enzyme abnormalities
  Helps clarify the source of unexplained enzyme elevation.
• Simple blood-based assessment
  Requires only a standard blood sample.
• Supports targeted clinical decision-making
  Results guide further investigation rather than broad screening.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for total acid phosphatase levels.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is packaged and transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP or specialist for interpretation and follow-up.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low acid phosphatase levels are generally not clinically significant and are often considered normal.
They rarely indicate disease and usually do not require further investigation.

Normal Levels

Normal results indicate typical enzyme activity across tissues that produce acid phosphatase.
This suggests no biochemical evidence of abnormal prostate or bone enzyme release at the time of testing.

High Levels

Elevated acid phosphatase levels may be associated with prostate disease, particularly advanced involvement, or with conditions affecting bone turnover.
Levels may also rise due to certain blood disorders or tissue damage.
Results should always be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other investigations.