Elevated Bone Marrow Acid Phosphatase: The Problem of False Positives

Abstract
Bone marrow acid phosphatase values were studied in 24 patients (12 men and 12 women) selected at random, including 6 at autopsy. False positive results were noted in 8 of the 18 patients who were alive and in all 6 patients sutdied at autopsy. The possible causes for these falsely elevated results are discussed. Bone marrow acid phosphatase is a test of poor specificity and should not be used as the sole test on which vital decisions regarding management of the prostate cancer patient are based.