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 studied at autopsy. The possible causes for these falsely elevated results are discussed. The 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 patient are based.