Overview:

• Measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.

• PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland.

• Mainly used for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis.

Target Population:

• Men, usually aged 50 and above for routine screening (earlier if high-risk: family history, African descent).

Risk Assessment / Limitations:

• False positives: Can occur with BPH, prostatitis, recent ejaculation, catheterization, or prostate manipulation.

• False negatives: Small or early prostate cancers may not elevate PSA.

• Not diagnostic alone: Must be combined with clinical evaluation, imaging, or biopsy.

• PSA testing may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment in some cases.

Interpretation:

• <4 ng/mL: Generally considered normal, but age-specific ranges may be applied.

• 4–10 ng/mL: Gray zone – may indicate BPH, prostatitis, or early cancer.

• >10 ng/mL: Higher probability of prostate cancer; further evaluation needed (biopsy, imaging).

• PSA velocity: Rapid rise over time may indicate malignancy.

Sample Type:

• Blood (serum), typically drawn from a vein in the arm.

Fasting Requirement:

• Not required.

Report Delivery:

• Usually within 1–3 days depending on the lab.