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

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, and elevated levels can indicate various prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, BPH, and prostatitis.

PSA levels tend to increase with age. Generally, for men younger than 50, PSA is typically below 2.5 ng/mL; for ages 50-59, below 3.5 ng/mL; for ages 60-69, below 4.5 ng/mL; and for 70 and older, it can be higher due to age-related changes but generally below 6.5 ng/mL.

Men who are at average or high risk for prostate cancer are eligible for the PSA test. This includes men aged 50 and above at average risk and men aged 45 and above at high risk (e.g., black men, those with a family history of prostate cancer).

No, a high PSA level does not always mean cancer. Elevated PSA levels can be due to various non-cancerous conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, urinary tract infections, and other factors.

The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate prostate cancer but is not definitive. Further tests, such as a biopsy, are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

A PSA level of 6.5 ng/mL is considered elevated and may warrant further evaluation. It does not necessarily mean cancer but could indicate other prostate conditions. A healthcare provider would typically recommend additional tests to determine the cause.

A biopsy is often recommended when the PSA level is 4 ng/mL or higher, though this decision is highly individualised and based on other factors such as PSA velocity, PSA density, and overall health.

Several factors can affect PSA test results, including prostate conditions like BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer; recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise; prostate biopsy or cystoscopy; treatments for BPH; and urinary tract infections or inflammation.

There is no direct evidence that alcohol consumption significantly affects PSA test results. However, overall health and lifestyle factors can influence PSA levels indirectly.

PSA testing is generally recommended for men starting at age 50 for those at average risk and at age 45 for those at high risk (e.g., black men, those with a family history of prostate cancer).

The benefits of the PSA blood test include early detection of prostate cancer when it is more treatable, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer and BPH, and potentially reducing mortality from prostate cancer through early detection and better treatment outcomes.

Fasting is usually not required prior to a PSA test, but it is advisable to check with your healthcare provider or lab for any specific guidelines to ensure accurate results.

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare provides a hassle-free home sample collection service for PSA tests. Our trained phlebotomists will visit your doorstep to collect the required samples, ensuring a comfortable, safe experience with accurate results.

PSA test results are usually available after 6 hours, based on when the sample was collected and processed.