PLAP

Alternative names, keywords

Placental alkaline phosphatase, placental ALP

Samples required

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube). Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Test indications

To monitor known cases of seminoma. Not diagnostic, normal values do not exclude malignancy.

Reference range

< / =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.

Turnaround time

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 7 days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Referrals)