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: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using an ultrasensitive method that can detect very small amounts of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced only by the prostate gland, a doughnut-shaped gland located between the base of the penis and the bladder that makes the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm during ejaculation.
Because this ultrasensitive version can pick up lower PSA levels than a standard PSA test, it is intended as an aid in the management of individuals following surgical or medical treatment of prostate cancer, helping track PSA over time as part of following the progress of the cancer. The amount of PSA produced can also be helpful in detecting prostate cancer very early.
Benefits
- Detects very small, low-level amounts of PSA in the blood
- Supports management after surgical or medical prostate cancer treatment
- Helps track PSA levels as part of following cancer progress
- May help identify signs of prostate cancer very early
- Uses an ultrasensitive method more precise than a standard PSA test
- Simple blood sample with no fasting required
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals being managed following surgical treatment of prostate cancer
- Individuals being managed following medical treatment of prostate cancer
- People whose healthcare provider wants to track PSA at very low levels
- People interested in a test that may help find signs of prostate cancer very early
- Individuals whose provider is following the progress of prostate cancer over time
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 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using an ultrasensitive method, which detects smaller amounts of PSA than a standard PSA test. It is intended as an aid in the management of individuals following surgical or medical treatment of prostate cancer, helping a healthcare provider follow the progress of the cancer over time. PSA levels can also be helpful in detecting prostate cancer very early. This test does not diagnose cancer on its own, and results should be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
2. Who should get this test, and when might it be ordered?
This test is generally considered for individuals who have undergone surgical or medical treatment for prostate cancer and whose provider wants to monitor PSA at very low levels afterward as part of following the cancer's progress over time. It may also be ordered when a provider is using PSA to help look for early signs of prostate cancer. Whether and when this test is appropriate depends on your individual situation, does not replace a full clinical evaluation, and should be decided together with your healthcare provider.
3. How does this test differ from other cancer-related tests?
Rather than serving as a broad cancer panel, this test focuses on a single protein and uses an ultrasensitive method capable of detecting smaller amounts of PSA than a standard PSA blood test. Because it is a single, ultrasensitive PSA measurement, it should not be treated as equivalent to a standard PSA test or to other cancer-related laboratory tests.
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. PSA sampling should not be performed for at least six weeks after a prostatic biopsy.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3 to 4 days. Turnaround may take longer based on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your PSA, Ultrasensitive result depends on your exact result, your medical history, whether you have been treated for prostate cancer, and other clinical information your healthcare provider has about you. An elevated PSA level does not automatically mean cancer is present, and a normal or low PSA level does not automatically rule out cancer. Because this test is used to help follow the progress of the cancer after treatment, changes in PSA over time may provide useful context for your provider without guaranteeing a specific clinical conclusion on their own. Results are best interpreted alongside your clinical history and any other relevant findings from your healthcare provider.
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 a result outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider. Your provider can consider this result alongside your treatment history and other clinical information to decide whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
8. How often should I get tested?
How often you should have this test measured depends on your individual situation, particularly if you are being managed following surgical or medical treatment of prostate cancer. Follow the testing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required. Avoid ejaculation and strenuous exercise for 72 hours before testing. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. PSA sampling should not be performed for at least six weeks after a prostatic biopsy.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
