Investigation Name:Placental ALP

Alias or Abbreviation:PLAP

Pathology Laboratory:Clinical Chemistry/ Biochemistry

Requestable Seperately?Yes

Units:U/L

Minimum Sample Volume:2 mL

Expected Turnaround Time:7-14 working days from receipt

Test Code:ALKX

Sample Type:

Maximum Add on Time:3 days

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 aliquot.
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

Contact Number:01902 307 999 Ext 88266