Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm vein
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2–5 business daysa
Benefits
- Convenient screening without needing a doctor's referral first
- Early detection of potential prostate issues before symptoms appear
- Confidential results delivered securely online for privacy
- Cost-effective alternative to hospital or clinic-based testing
- Quick process with results typically available within days
- Peace of mind through proactive health monitoring
Who Is This Test For?
- Men aged 50+ considering routine prostate cancer screening
- African American men aged 45+ at higher risk
- Men with family history of prostate cancer (starting at 45)
- Men with BRCA2 gene mutations (starting at 40)
- Individuals experiencing prostate symptoms like frequent urination
- Men monitoring treatment effectiveness for diagnosed prostate conditions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any lab location for a simple blood draw
- Get tested with no appointment needed at most locations
- Receive results securely online within 2-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen protein levels in your blood to screen for prostate cancer and other prostate conditions.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting required, but avoid ejaculation for 48 hours and strenuous exercise for 24 hours before testing.
What if my PSA is elevated? Elevated levels don't automatically mean cancer—inflammation, infection, or enlarged prostate can also raise PSA levels.
How accurate is the PSA test? The test detects 92% of cancer cases but has many false positives, which is why follow-up testing is often needed (ICU Urology, 2022).
Can medications affect my results? Yes, certain prostate medications like finasteride and dutasteride can lower PSA levels—inform your provider about all medications.
Should I get this test if I have no symptoms?
Many men benefit from screening even without symptoms, as early detection improves treatment outcomes when cancer is present.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen in blood to screen for prostate cancer, monitor existing prostate conditions, and track treatment effectiveness (Mayo Clinic 2025). It serves as a first-line screening tool for detecting potential prostate issues before symptoms appear. While PSA is mostly found in semen, small amounts circulate in the bloodstream, and elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer or benign conditions like prostate inflammation or enlargement.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men considering prostate cancer screening benefit most, especially those at higher risk: men aged 50+ at average risk, African American men aged 45+, men with family history of prostate cancer aged 45+, and men with BRCA2 gene mutations from age 40 (National Cancer Institute 2024). With approximately 1 in 8 men diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime and 313,780 new cases estimated for 2025, screening provides valuable early detection opportunities (American Cancer Society, 2025).
When should I order Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Serum Test?
Consider testing at age 50 if at average risk, at age 45 if high-risk (African American or family history), or after age 40 with BRCA2 mutations. Frequency depends on results—typically every 2-4 years for normal levels, more frequently for monitoring elevated levels (AUA Guidelines 2023). Men experiencing prostate symptoms like frequent urination or difficulty urinating should also consider testing regardless of age.
How do I interpret the results?
Under 50
- Normal PSA Range: Up to 2 ng/mL
- Typical Action: Continue routine screening
Ages 50–59
- Normal PSA Range: Up to 3 ng/mL
- Typical Action: Screen every 2–4 years
Ages 60–69
- Normal PSA Range: Up to 4 ng/mL
- Typical Action: Screen every 2–4 years
Ages 70+
- Normal PSA Range: Up to 5 ng/mL
- Typical Action: Discuss with provider
PSA velocity (rate of change over time) is often more informative than a single measurement.
Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer but could also result from inflammation, infection, or benign enlargement (Cleveland Clinic 2024). Several non-cancerous conditions can raise PSA including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, recent ejaculation, urinary tract infections, or certain medications.
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 at least 48 hours before the test as it can temporarily raise PSA levels. Refrain from strenuous exercise, particularly bicycling, in the 24-48 hours before testing. Inform your healthcare provider about medications you're taking, especially finasteride, dutasteride, or other prostate medications that can affect PSA levels. Do not schedule the test if you have an active urinary tract infection or prostate inflammation.
How often should I get tested?
- Normal results, age 50–69: Every 2–4 years
- Elevated but stable levels: Every 6–12 months
- Rising PSA levels: Every 3–6 months
- Active surveillance for cancer: Every 3–6 months
- Post-treatment monitoring: Every 3–6 months initially
Why early detection matters
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, with approximately 35,770 deaths estimated for 2025 (American Cancer Society, 2025). Early detection through PSA screening allows for treatment when cancer is most manageable, potentially improving outcomes significantly. For most men diagnosed with prostate cancer, it could take several years before symptoms appear, making proactive screening essential for optimal health outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Prostate‑Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test, Ultrasensitive Designed to detect very low PSA levels—useful for early cancer detection or monitoring recurrence after treatment.
Prostate‑Specific Antigen (PSA) Hormone Blood Test Panel Includes total PSA, free & total testosterone, and estradiol—provides a broader hormonal profile related to prostate health.
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) Serum Test Used alongside PSA to assess prognosis, monitor therapeutic response, and may detect cases PSA misses.
PSA Free:Total Ratio Blood Test Measures the percentage of unbound (“free”) PSA versus total PSA—improves specificity for cancer, especially when total PSA is 4–10 ng/mL.
Cardio Plus Panel + PSA Test Combines PSA with cardiovascular markers like cholesterol, glucose, and organ-function indicators—ideal for men monitoring both prostate and heart health.
Wellness #2 Essential Blood Test Panel + PSA A general wellness panel that includes PSA—useful for an overall health check while specifically screening prostate markers.
