Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting required. Avoid ejaculation and strenuous exercise for 72 hours before testing, stop biotin at least 72 hours prior, and wait at least six weeks after a prostatic biopsy.
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and this test reports your total PSA level. Increased PSA levels could indicate prostate cancer, though elevated PSA can also result from non-threatening prostate conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or infection.
Most men have PSA levels below four ng/mL, which serves as a general cutoff used to help determine whether further testing may be needed to screen for prostate cancer. This test is used to screen for prostate cancer and, for men already diagnosed with prostate cancer, to help monitor the effects of treatment.
Benefits
- Screens for prostate cancer using a simple blood sample
- Helps identify PSA levels that may need further evaluation
- Supports monitoring treatment effects in men diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Convenient blood draw with no fasting required
- Fast turnaround so you can review results promptly
Who Is This Test For?
- Men over 50 seeking yearly PSA screening
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer who wish to start screening earlier
- Individuals experiencing painful or frequent urination along with other urinary symptoms
- Individuals experiencing severe pelvic or back pain
- Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who want to monitor treatment effects
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures total Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland, in your blood. It is used to screen for prostate cancer, and for men already diagnosed with prostate cancer, it can help monitor the effects of treatment. Increased PSA levels could indicate prostate cancer, but they may also reflect a non-threatening prostate condition, such as an enlarged prostate or infection. An abnormal result does not confirm cancer, and a normal result does not rule it out.
2. Who should consider this test?
This test may be appropriate for men over 50 seeking yearly PSA screening, or for those with a family history of prostate cancer who wish to begin screening earlier. It may also be considered by individuals experiencing painful or frequent urination or severe pelvic or back pain. Men previously diagnosed with prostate cancer may use this test to help monitor the effects of their treatment. This test does not replace a full clinical evaluation.
3. How does this test differ from other cancer-related tests?
This test is limited to measuring total PSA from a blood sample; it does not measure other biomarkers or provide a comprehensive cancer evaluation. The source does not provide a direct comparison to other cancer-related tests, so its scope is limited to what is described here.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. However, you should avoid ejaculation and strenuous exercise for 72 hours before testing, and stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1-2 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret my results?
Interpreting your PSA result depends on your specific value, medical history, clinical context, and other relevant findings. Most men have PSA levels below four ng/mL, though cancer is possible at any level, and not all prostate cancer cases result in elevated PSA. Higher PSA levels raise the likelihood of prostate cancer, but they may also result from non-threatening conditions such as an enlarged prostate or infection. If you are using this test to monitor treatment effects, changes over time may provide useful context but do not guarantee a particular clinical conclusion. Your results should be interpreted alongside your medical history and other relevant clinical information.
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.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review an abnormal PSA result with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate based on your individual health history and this result. An elevated PSA level does not mean cancer is present, since other conditions can also raise PSA.
8. How often should I get tested?
Men over 50 are often advised to consider yearly PSA screening, though individuals with a family history of prostate cancer may start earlier as directed by their healthcare provider. If you are using this test to monitor treatment effects, follow your healthcare provider's guidance on how often to retest.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required. Avoid ejaculation and strenuous exercise for 72 hours before testing. The patient should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. PSA sampling should not be performed for at least six weeks after prostatic biopsy.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
