Quantitative AP threshold
Definition
A numerical activity level, expressed in units per litre of extract, above which a result is treated as semen-positive. Common thresholds range from 50 U/L (some US labs) to 500 U/L (historical UK FSS standard), reflecting different balances between sensitivity and specificity.
Related terms
- Acid phosphatase (AP)
- A group of phosphomonoesterase enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of phosphate esters at acid pH (optimum around pH 5). Multiple isoenzymes exist;...
- Brentamine fast violet B test
- A two-component spot test in which sodium alpha-naphthyl phosphate (substrate) is hydrolysed by AP to alpha-naphthol, which couples with fast violet B...
- False positive
- A test result indicating diatoms consistent with ante-mortem aspiration in an organ sample when the diatoms actually arrived by contamination, post-mortem diffusion,...
- Fluorescent AP assay
- A more sensitive format using 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (4-MUP) as substrate. AP cleaves 4-MUP to 4-methylumbelliferone, which fluoresces under UV. Useful on aged...
- Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)
- The AP isoform secreted by acinar epithelial cells of the prostate gland, found in seminal plasma at concentrations of 25-1,000 U/mL, orders...
Explained in
- Acid Phosphatase Screening for SemenA numerical activity level, expressed in units per litre of extract, above which a result is treated as semen-positive. Common thresholds range from 50 U/L (so...