PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Also known as PSA blood test

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male

Test Preparation

It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse, ejaculation, and vigorous exercise for up to 48 hours before sample collection.
Do not give sample within 7 days of Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) or Rectal Prostatic Ultrasonography.

Understanding PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

What is PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total?

A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland which liquefies the semen in males. This test helps identify conditions like prostate inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), prostate cancer, etc.

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males. It produces a protein called PSA that is mostly found in semen (also produced by the prostate gland). This protein helps in sperm motility during ejaculation in males.

A PSA test helps determine the level of PSA, which if higher than normal, may be indicative of enlarged or inflamed prostate, urinary tract infection or irritation, or other problems with the prostate gland. The possible risk factors for high PSA levels are aging, prior family history, or a high-fat diet. This test also serves as a useful tool to detect and monitor the progression of prostate cancer because PSA levels increase in the blood in the case of prostate cancer, the second most common type of solid cancer in men. It does not show any symptoms in its early stage but may be fatal as it progresses to its advanced stages. Therefore, prostate health screening is important, particularly for those at higher risk. This test can also be used to check for cancer recurrence in those who have completed prostate cancer treatment.

You can eat and drink as per your daily routine before undergoing a PSA test. However, ask your doctor about the required preparation before this test. Let them know about all the medicines you take as certain medicines may alter your test results. They may also ask you to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before your test, as semen release can increase your PSA levels leading to inaccurate results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings and formulate your treatment plan.

What is PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total used for?

A PSA test is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
If you have symptoms of any prostate condition such as painful or frequent urination, interrupted urine, blood in urine or semen, pelvic and/or back pain, or painful ejaculation.
To detect and diagnose diseases of the prostate gland, like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.
To screen for prostate cancer or determine its extent.
To monitor prostate cancer treatment.

What does PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total measure?

A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein secreted by the prostate gland in males and is found in two forms: bound PSA (bound to other proteins) and free PSA. A PSA blood test measures both free and bound PSA levels. Most of the PSA produced in the body passes in the seminal fluid and only a small amount is secreted into the blood.

PSA levels in the blood get elevated in conditions affecting prostate health, like prostate cancer and prostate enlargement (benign prostatic enlargement or BPH). This test is used as a primary screening test before conducting other diagnostic procedures.

Interpreting PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total results

Interpretations

The normal value of PSA in blood is below 4.0 ng/ml

PSA level roughly between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/ml is considered a “grey zone”.

Lower than 4.0 ng/ml PSA in blood indicates very low risk for prostate cancer or BPH, while higher than 10.0 ng/ml indicates a very high risk of developing prostate cancer or BPH.

Different forms of PSA testing, as well as other tests, are recommended for further diagnosis.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Frequently Asked Questions about PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Q. What happens if the PSA level is high?

A higher PSA level indicates a higher risk of prostate-related problems, such as prostate enlargement, urinary tract infection, or prostate inflammation due to irritation, injury, or a surgical procedure. Consult a doctor or a urologist to understand your lab reports and do not panic if your reports show high PSA levels. High levels of PSA do not necessarily indicate that you have prostate cancer. Your PSA may be elevated due to other reasons too which can be managed with appropriate treatment.

Q. What are the symptoms of high PSA levels?

The symptoms associated with high PSA levels are difficulty in urination, painful or frequent urination (particularly at night), blood in urine or semen, weak or interrupted flow of urine, difficulty holding urine, painful ejaculation, and persistent pain in the lower back, pelvis, or thighs.

Q. What tests are done after reports show high PSA levels?

If your reports suggest high PSA levels, your doctor may prescribe additional tests before considering a prostate biopsy. These tests include digital rectal examination (DRE), free PSA test, PSA velocity test (indicating the rate at which PSA increases over time), PSA density test (indicating the PSA per volume of the prostate), PSA-based markers (like Prostate Health Index, 4K score), urinary markers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate.

Q. What factors can affect the results of a PSA test?

The PSA levels in the blood can be affected by several factors, including age, vigorous exercise or physical activities such as cycling or horse-riding in the last 2 days before testing, prostate gland size, prostate inflammation due to injury or infection (such as urinary tract infection or UTI), and ejaculation or sexual intercourse (anal sex or prostate stimulation) within 48 hrs of examination. A few procedures like direct prostate examination, chemotherapy, prostate biopsy, cystoscopy (a procedure where an endoscope is inserted through the urethra to examine the urinary bladder), and urinary catheter insertion may also affect your test results. Additionally, taking certain medicines like finasteride, dutasteride, painkillers, etc., can also influence your test results.

Q. How can I reduce my PSA levels naturally?

Always consult your doctor if your test results show elevated PSA levels. However, you can make certain lifestyle changes to reduce your PSA levels naturally. These include eating more proteins, tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables; maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D in your body; exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight; and managing your stress as high stress may be associated with high PSA levels.

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