Test Category: Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Placental ALP

Alias or Abbreviation:PLAP
Pathology Laboratory:Chemistry Referred Ext 85290
Requestable Seperately?No
Part of Profile:No
E-Requesting Tab:Other
Units:U/L
Minimum Sample Volume:2ml
Expected Turnaround Time:7-14 working days from receipt
Test Code:ALKX
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)Maximum Add on Time:3 day(s)
Complex Reference Range:Serum: < 0.5 U/L (Non-smokers). Levels up to 1.5 U/L may be seen in moderate (one pack per day) cigarette smokers and somewhat higher levels in heavy smokers.
Collection Conditions / Other Information:MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH DUTY BIOCHEMIST BEFORE COLLECTION. LAB INSTRUCTIONS: Separate into Z5 Placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), in association with AFP and hCG, is of value in the diagnosis and monitoring of gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumours. Elevated levels of this marker are seen in 55% of seminoma and combined tumour and 60% of dysgerminoma. Levels are not usually elevated in teratomata. Elevated levels may also be seen in some epithelial carcinomas of the ovary, although PLAP does not contribute greatly to the management of this malignancy and the specificity is such that it offers no advantage over CA125
Reference Laboratory Details:Supraregional Protein Ref. Unit & Dept. of Immunology,PO Box 894, Sheffield,S5 7YT (Tel. 0114 271 5552)
Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes
Reference Lab Code:SUIS