Prostate-Specific Antigen Test To Screen for Prostate Cancer

The Prostate-Specific Antigen Test checks for a protein related to the prostate gland. It helps detect and monitor prostate problems, including cancer.

PSA Test

Here are the basic details of the PSA Test.

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

PSA Test Means

PSA Test, or Prostate Specific Antigen Test, measures a protein in blood to assess prostate health, including cancer risk.

• It's crucial for men, especially as they age, to monitor PSA Test results for potential prostate issues.
• PSA Test can detect conditions like prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or inflammation, aiding diagnosis and treatment.
• Preparation for PSA Test involves avoiding ejaculation 24 hours before the test for accurate results.
• PSA Test results, usually expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), help doctors make informed decisions about prostate health.

PSA Test Purpose

The purpose of the PSA Test is to:

• Screens for prostate issues, like cancer or inflammation.
• Diagnoses prostate cancer and noncancerous diseases.
• Monitors treatment effects for cancer or BPH.
• Assesses individual prostate health and cancer risk.
• Part of early prostate cancer screening efforts.

PSA Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the PSA Test.

Before Test

• Abstain from ejaculation for 24 hours before the test for accurate results.
• Inform your doctor about medications and recent urinary system procedures.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

During Test

• A healthcare provider draws a blood sample, usually from your arm.
• Expect a brief sting from the needle and minor bruising.
• The process typically takes less than five minutes.

After Test

• The elastic band is removed, and the site is bandaged.
• No special restrictions are recommended; you can resume regular activities.
• Await results from the laboratory, which may take several days.

PSA Test Procedure

Here is the basic PSA Test Procedure.

• Blood drawn from arm vein.
• Elastic band to increase blood flow.
• Cleaned skin, needle insertion.
• Blood collected in sample tube.
• Quick, relatively painless process.
• Minor bruising, brief needle sting.
• Bandage applied after blood draw.

PSA Test Result

• PSA test results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
• Interpret based on age-adjusted reference ranges (e.g., 40-50 yrs: 0-2.5 ng/mL).
• Consult a doctor for further evaluation if levels exceed established norms or are rapidly rising.

PSA Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the PSA Test.

PSA Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the PSA Test.

PSA test results, measured in ng/mL, guide prostate health assessment with age-adjusted reference ranges.

PSA Test High Levels

Here are some possible causes of high PSA levels:

Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, prostatitis, BPH, recent procedures, or urinary tract infections.

PSA Test Low Levels

Here are some possible causes of low PSA levels:

Low PSA levels may result from prostate removal, hormone therapy, medications, obesity, or natural age-related changes.

Specimen Requirements For PSA Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the PSA Test.

PSA Test is Safe?

Prostate Specific Antigen Test Generally safe and well-tolerated.

• Minor discomfort during blood draw.
• Rare complications (infection or bleeding) but extremely rare.
• Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

When Do You Get PSA Test Results? 

• Results typically take one week.
• Rapid tests in-office provide quicker results (within 15 minutes).
• Lab results may require a short waiting period.
• Consult your healthcare provider for result delivery timelines.

PSA Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of PSA Test.

• Non-specific, can't distinguish cancer from non-cancerous conditions.
• False positives and negatives are possible.
• May lead to unnecessary biopsies or treatments.
• Levels can fluctuate due to various factors.
• Interpretation varies with age and individual health factors.

PSA Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the PSA Test.

• Aging increases risk.
• Family history matters.
• African American ethnicity has higher risk.
• Prostate inflammation or infection.
• Recent urinary procedures.

Doctor Recommendations After PSA Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the PSA Test.

Visit a urologist for high PSA levels, while primary care for normal or low levels, to discuss further evaluation or potential underlying conditions.

PSA Test Price

Here are the estimated PSA Test Prices in India with different top cities:

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, The PSA test assesses prostate health by measuring PSA levels in the blood, aiding in cancer detection and monitoring. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

• Prostate-specific antigen - Wikipedia [1].
• Prostate Specific Antigen - StatPearls [2].