PSA-Total Prostate Specific Antigen Serum Test

A Total Prostate Specific Antigen Serum test is done to:

• To detect the presence of prostate cancer in men
• To measure the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. This can indicate the presence of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer
• To detect the recurrence of prostate cancer after treatment
• To screen for prostate cancer in high-risk men. These are those over 50 or with a family history of prostate cancer

PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in a person's blood. Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate gland. An elevated level can be an indicator of prostate cancer. The PSA test is used to help diagnose prostate cancer. It is also done to monitor the progression of the disease.

A PSA test is a simple blood test. It measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your bloodstream. It is routinely used to help diagnose prostate cancer in men. Your doctor will draw a sample of your blood. He will send it to a laboratory for analysis. 

Levels below or within reference interval indicate low/ no chance of prostate cancer.
Levels between 4 - 10 ng/mL fall in grey zone and should be advised free PSA & Free/ Total PSA ratio
Levels more than 10 ng/mL are associated with higher chances of prostatic cancer

Preparing for a PSA test involves following your doctor's instructions. Also, make sure you are well-rested and stress-free before the test. Drink plenty of water. Avoid strenuous activity the day before the test. Follow any dietary restrictions your doctor may have given you before the test. Finally, review any medical history or questions your doctor may ask before the test.

A higher level of PSA may suggest the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.

The PSA Serum Test is important. This is because it can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage. At this stage, it is most treatable and curable. It can also help identify other prostate conditions. This includes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate Specific Antigens (PSAs) are proteins produced by the prostate gland in men. They are used to help diagnose and monitor the progression of prostate cancer. PSAs are released into the blood. They can be measured with a simple blood test. Elevated levels of PSA are associated with prostate cancer. But they can also be caused by other conditions. These include enlarged prostate or urinary tract infections.

People with the following symptoms and medical conditions should do the Total Prostate Specific Antigen Serum test:

• Men over 50 to screen for prostate cancer
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer
• Men with symptoms of prostate cancer. The symptoms are difficulty urinating or pain in the pelvic area,
• Men who have had prostate cancer in the past. This should be done regularly to monitor for recurrence

Doctors advise the Total Prostate Specific Antigen Serum test for men with lifestyle or environmental issues such as:

• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet (oily or fried food)
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Family history of prostate cancer 
• Obesity 

When undergoing a PSA test, your doctor may also ask you to get other tests done. These include:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): This test involves the doctor inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any hard or lumpy areas. These may indicate prostate cancer.
• Prostate Biopsy: This test involves taking a tissue sample from the prostate to be examined for any cancerous cells.
• Urinalysis: A urine test can be used to rule out an infection as a cause of an elevated PSA level.
• Other PSA tests: There are newer variations of the PSA test that may be used along with the total PSA test. These tests can provide more information about the form of PSA in the blood and may help to better determine the risk of prostate cancer. Examples of other PSA tests include free PSA, percent-free PSA, and PSA density.

• PSA Test
• Prostate-Specific Antigen Test