Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 5-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of prostate cancer before symptoms develop
- Comprehensive hormone assessment including testosterone and estradiol levels
- Convenient screening without physician referral or appointment delays
- Cost-effective testing at $49 compared to traditional medical settings
- Confidential results delivered through secure online portal
- Quick turnaround with results in 5-7 business days
Who Is This Test For?
- Men aged 50-69 considering prostate cancer screening
- High-risk men (Black men, family history) starting at age 45
- Men experiencing urinary difficulties or pelvic pain
- Individuals monitoring existing prostate conditions or treatments
- Health-conscious men seeking proactive hormone assessment
- Anyone wanting convenient, confidential prostate health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any participating lab location nationwide
- Provide blood sample through simple arm draw (takes under 5 minutes)
- Access results securely online within 5-7 business days
FAQ
What does this panel test for? This comprehensive panel measures PSA levels for prostate cancer screening, plus testosterone (total and free) and estradiol to assess overall hormonal health.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. However, avoid ejaculation for 48 hours and vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours before testing.
What PSA level is considered normal? Normal ranges vary by age: 0-2.5 ng/mL (ages 40-50), 2.5-3.5 ng/mL (ages 50-60), 3.5-4.5 ng/mL (ages 60-70), and 4.5-5.5 ng/mL (ages 70-80).
Can medications affect my results? Yes, medications for BPH, prostatitis, or baldness can affect PSA levels. Biotin supplements should be discontinued 72 hours before testing.
What if my PSA is elevated? Elevated PSA doesn't automatically mean cancer. It may indicate BPH, prostatitis, or other conditions requiring further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
How accurate is PSA testing? PSA testing demonstrates sensitivity of 0.92 and specificity varies based on cutoff values. It's most effective when combined with clinical evaluation.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This panel measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in blood to screen for prostate cancer and monitor prostate health, while also assessing key hormones that affect male reproductive health. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and malignant prostate cells, with elevated levels potentially indicating prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or other prostate-related conditions (Canadian Cancer Society 2025). The additional hormone measurements provide comprehensive insight into male hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Prostate cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous malignancy in American men, with an estimated 288,300 new diagnoses and 34,700 deaths expected annually (American Urological Association 2023). Early detection through PSA screening can identify potentially serious conditions during their most treatable stages.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men aged 50-69 should consider PSA screening after discussing benefits and risks with healthcare providers. High-risk men, including Black men and those with family history of prostate cancer, may benefit from earlier screening beginning at age 45 (American Cancer Society).
The test particularly benefits health-conscious consumers seeking proactive medical care, men who prefer confidential testing, or those facing barriers to traditional healthcare access. It's valuable for monitoring existing prostate conditions, assessing treatment effectiveness, and evaluating symptoms such as urinary difficulties, pelvic pain, or blood in urine or semen.
When should I order this test?
Average-risk men should consider testing from age 50, while high-risk men may start at age 45. Testing frequency depends on initial PSA levels and risk factors, with annual screening recommended for PSA levels ≥2.5 ng/mL (National Cancer Institute 2024).
Order this test if you're experiencing prostate-related symptoms, participating in routine screening, or monitoring known prostate conditions. The convenient direct-to-consumer model eliminates appointment scheduling delays and provides immediate access to screening services.
How do I interpret the results?
PSA levels are age-dependent, with normal ranges increasing with age. Values above age-specific thresholds may indicate prostate cancer or benign conditions, requiring further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
40-50 years:
- Normal PSA: 0-2.5 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal prostate function
- Typical action: Continue routine screening
50-60 years:
- Normal PSA: 2.5-3.5 ng/mL
- What it means: Age-appropriate levels
- Typical action: Monitor annually if elevated
60-70 years:
- Normal PSA: 3.5-4.5 ng/mL
- What it means: Expected range for age
- Typical action: Clinical evaluation if above range
70-80 years:
- Normal PSA: 4.5-5.5 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal for older men
- Typical action: Discuss with healthcare provider
Men with PSA levels between 4-10 ng/mL have approximately a 25% probability of harboring prostate cancer, while those with levels exceeding 10 ng/mL face greater than 50% cancer risk.
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
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours prior to testing, as sexual activity can temporarily elevate PSA levels. Discontinue biotin supplements at least 72 hours before sample collection to prevent analytical interference. Avoid vigorous physical activity, particularly bicycle riding, for 24-48 hours before testing (Walk-In Lab).
Inform your healthcare provider about medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or baldness, as these can affect PSA levels. No fasting is required, making this test convenient for your schedule.
How often should I get tested?
- Normal PSA, average risk: Every 1-2 years
- PSA ≥2.5 ng/mL: Annually
- High-risk individuals: Annually starting age 45
- Monitoring known conditions: As directed by physician
- Borderline elevations: Repeat in 6-12 months
Why early detection matters
PSA screening can detect early-stage prostate cancer before symptoms develop, enabling timely treatment when most effective. The Göteborg randomized screening trial revealed that 35% of 7,635 screened men had elevated PSA levels at least once, with 33% requiring prostate biopsy for definitive diagnosis (PMC 2014).
Economic analyses indicate that PSA-based screening programs can reduce prostate cancer mortality, though optimal screening intervals continue to evolve based on emerging evidence. Early detection allows for more treatment options and better outcomes when intervention is necessary.
Related tests you may consider
Free PSA:Total PSA Ratio – This advanced test measures the proportion of unbound PSA in blood, providing enhanced specificity for cancer detection in men with borderline total PSA elevations (4-10 ng/mL). The ratio helps distinguish between cancer and benign conditions, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies.
Cardio Plus Blood Test Panel plus Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) – Combines comprehensive heart health screening, including cholesterol, inflammation, and metabolic markers, with PSA testing to evaluate prostate health and support early detection of prostate conditions.
Cancer Screening Panel, Men – Offers a comprehensive blood test panel designed to help detect potential signs of cancer in men by evaluating key tumor markers and organ function indicators associated with common male-specific and general cancers.
