OBJECTIVETo compare the routine method and the kit method for the measurement of acid phosphatase activity in seminal plasma, and to explore the possibility of the kit method for routine measurement.

METHODSSeventy-nine seminal plasma samples were assayed by routine method and kit method respectively for acid phosphatase. One sample was detected 10 times for within-run analysis, and an other two were measured by both the methods once a day for 10 days for between-run analysis. Acid phosphatase activities in another 10 seminal plasma samples collected at random were measured immediately or 30 min after dilution by two technicians, respectively.

RESULTSThere were significant positive correlations between the acid phosphatase activities measured by routine and kit methods (r = 0.745, P = 0.000). In the within-run assay, the coefficient of variation for the kit method (13.72%) was similar with that for the routine method (10.66%). But in the between-run assay, the coefficients of variation for the kit method (13.8% and 15.49%) were obviously lower than those for the routine method (24.43% and 21.04%). Compared with the acid phosphatase activities in seminal plasma measured immediately after dilution, those measured after 30-min standing were notably lower for either of the methods (P < 0.05). However, there wasnt significant difference in the acid phosphatase activities detected by the routine method between the two technicians (P = 0.165).

CONCLUSIONThe kit method is superior and preferable to the routine method for the measurement of acid phosphatase in seminal plasma.