Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: 8-12 hours required
- Turn-around: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive male health screening - addresses heart disease and prostate cancer, the top health threats for men
- Cost-effective convenience - combines four essential tests in one blood draw
- Early risk detection - identifies cardiovascular and prostate issues before symptoms appear
- Age-appropriate screening - includes PSA levels tailored to your age group
- Complete metabolic assessment - evaluates kidney, liver, and blood sugar function
- Direct access testing - no physician referral required for proactive health monitoring
Who Is This Test For?
- Men over 40 seeking comprehensive preventive health screening
- Individuals with family history of heart disease or prostate cancer
- Men with cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, obesity)
- Those monitoring existing heart conditions or elevated cholesterol
- African American men who face higher prostate cancer risk
- Anyone wanting baseline health data for informed lifestyle decisions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Fast and visit - Fast 8-12 hours, then visit any participating lab location
- Quick blood draw - Simple venipuncture procedure takes just minutes
- Review results - Access comprehensive results online within 2-3 business days
FAQ
What does this test panel include? Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14), Lipid Profile, and Prostate-Specific Antigen measurement.
When should I start getting PSA screening? Most men should discuss PSA screening starting at age 50, or age 45 if you're African American or have family history of prostate cancer (USPSTF 2018).
What if my PSA level is elevated? PSA above 4.0 ng/mL requires follow-up with a urologist for further evaluation, which may include repeat testing and digital rectal exam.
Can I take medications before the test? Continue prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Only fasting from food and beverages (except water) is required.
How accurate is PSA testing? PSA testing shows 92% sensitivity for detecting prostate issues, though additional tests may be needed for definitive diagnosis (International Journal of Clinical Urology 2022).
What lifestyle factors can affect my results? Recent exercise, ejaculation within 48 hours, or prostate procedures can temporarily elevate PSA levels.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel screens for cardiovascular disease risk factors and prostate cancer - the two most significant health threats facing men today. Heart disease kills 702,880 Americans annually, while prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men during their lifetime (CDC 2022, American Cancer Society 2023). The test evaluates cholesterol levels, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, blood cell counts, and PSA levels through a single blood draw, enabling early detection when interventions are most effective.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men over 40 benefit most from this screening, particularly those with family history of heart disease or prostate cancer. African American men should consider earlier screening due to higher prostate cancer risk. Individuals with cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity gain valuable insights for risk management. The test also serves men monitoring existing conditions or seeking baseline health assessment for preventive care planning.
When should I order this test?
Consider annual screening starting at age 40-45 for cardiovascular assessment. PSA screening discussion typically begins at age 50, or age 45 for high-risk men (Mayo Clinic 2025). Schedule testing after 8-12 hour fasting period, preferably in morning hours. Avoid alcohol 24 hours before testing and refrain from ejaculation 48 hours prior to ensure accurate PSA measurement.
How do I interpret the results?
- PSA (age 40-49): ≤2.5 ng/mL; >4.0 ng/mL requires follow-up
- PSA (age 50-59): ≤3.5 ng/mL; >4.0 ng/mL requires follow-up
- PSA (age 60-69): ≤4.5 ng/mL; >4.0 ng/mL requires follow-up
- Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL; >240 mg/dL high risk
- LDL Cholesterol: <100 mg/dL; >160 mg/dL high risk
- HDL Cholesterol (men): >40 mg/dL; <40 mg/dL increased risk
- Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL; >200 mg/dL elevated
- Glucose (fasting): 70-100 mg/dL; >126 mg/dL diabetes range
PSA levels naturally increase with age, making age-adjusted reference ranges essential for accurate interpretation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8-12 hours before blood collection, consuming only water during this period. Avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to testing as it affects triglyceride levels. Continue prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Avoid ejaculation 48 hours before testing to prevent temporary PSA elevation. Schedule morning appointments when possible to minimize fasting discomfort and ensure optimal sample quality.
How often should I get tested?
- Men 40-49 (low risk): Every 2-3 years
- Men 50+ (average risk): Annually
- High cardiovascular risk: Every 6-12 months
- Previous elevated PSA: Every 6-12 months
- Family history present: Annually starting age 45
- African American men: Annually starting age 45
Why early detection matters
Cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer often develop without obvious symptoms in early stages. Early detection enables lifestyle modifications and medical interventions when they're most effective. Heart disease costs approximately $252.2 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity (CDC 2022). Prostate cancer has excellent survival rates when caught early, with nearly 100% five-year survival for localized disease. Regular screening transforms these silent threats into manageable health conditions through timely intervention.
Related tests you may consider
Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel Blood Test– Provides an in-depth assessment of cardiovascular risk by measuring standard lipids along with advanced markers such as LDL particle number and size, HDL subtypes, and lipoprotein ratios for a more accurate evaluation of heart health.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)- Measures inflammation that contributes to heart disease risk, especially useful when combined with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels (Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2021).
Free PSA with Total PSA Ratio - When total PSA falls in the 4.0-10.0 ng/mL range, this ratio helps distinguish between benign and malignant causes, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies.
