Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test

Use:

This test is used to detect Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA is a protein produced only by the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a doughnut-shaped gland located in a man’s pelvis in the small space between the base of the penis and the bladder.

The prostate makes the fluid that nourishes sperm and carries sperm during ejaculation. The amount of PSA produced by the prostate gland can be helpful in detecting prostate cancer. This test is commonly used with the digital rectal exam to screen for prostate cancer. If you have prostate cancer a PSA can be an important tool used to follow the response to treatment for the cancer. In general, serum PSA levels increase due to physical changes to prostate architecture caused by trauma, infection, inflammation, prostate manipulation, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or malignancy.

This test measures the percentage of free (uncomplexed) PSA relative to the total amount of PSA in men with serum PSA concentrations between 4.0-10.0 ng/mL. Alternatively, percent free PSA may be used to determine the relative risk of prostate cancer in individual men.

Recommended For:

Men age 50 and older should get tested yearly. If you are experiencing symptoms such as painful or frequent urination or have a family history of prostate cancer, it is recommended to get tested earlier.

Special Notes:

It is recommended to avoid ejaculation 24 hours prior to giving sample as it may cause higher PSA levels. Also, sample should be collected before a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate biopsy are performed.

Tests Included:

Estimated Turn Around For Results:

2-10 Business Days

For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at Personalabs and we will contact the lab on your behalf as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.