PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total
Understanding PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total
What is PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total?
A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that liquefies the semen in males. This test helps identify conditions like prostate inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), prostate cancer, etc.
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males. It produces a protein called PSA, primarily found in semen (also produced by the prostate gland). This protein helps in sperm motility during ejaculation in males.
A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test helps determine the level of PSA, which, if higher than usual, may indicate an enlarged or inflamed prostate, urinary tract infection or irritation, or other problems with the prostate gland. The possible risk factors for high PSA levels are aging, prior family history, or a high-fat diet. This test also serves as a valuable tool to detect and monitor prostate cancer progression as PSA levels increase in the blood in the case of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of solid cancer in men. It does not show any symptoms in its early stages but may be fatal as it progresses to its advanced stages. Therefore, prostate health screening is essential, particularly for those at higher risk. A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test can also be used to check for cancer recurrence in those who have completed prostate cancer treatment.
You can eat and drink per your daily routine before undergoing a PSA test. However, ask your doctor about the required preparation before this test. Tell them about all your medicines, as certain medications may alter your test results. They may also ask you to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before your test, as semen release can increase your PSA levels, leading to inaccurate results.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings and formulate your treatment plan.
What is PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total used for?
A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test is done:
- As part of routine health checkups.
- If you have symptoms of any prostate condition, such as painful or frequent urination, interrupted urine, blood in urine or semen, pelvic and/or back pain, or painful ejaculation.
- To detect and diagnose prostate gland diseases, like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.
- To screen for prostate cancer or determine its extent.
- To monitor prostate cancer treatment.
What does PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total measure?
A PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein secreted by the prostate gland in males and is found in two forms: bound PSA (bound to other proteins) and free PSA. A PSA blood test measures both free and bound PSA levels. Most of the PSA produced in the body passes in the seminal fluid, and only a small amount is secreted into the blood.
PSA levels in the blood get elevated in conditions affecting prostate health, like prostate cancer and prostate enlargement (benign prostatic enlargement or BPH). This test is used as a primary screening test before conducting other diagnostic procedures.
Interpreting PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total results
Interpretations
The normal value of PSA in blood is below 4.0 ng/ml
A roughly 4.0 and 10.0 ng/ml PSA level is considered a “grey zone.”
Lower than 4.0 ng/ml PSA in blood indicates a very low risk for prostate cancer or BPH, while higher than 10.0 ng/ml indicates a very high risk of developing prostate cancer or BPH.
Different forms of PSA testing, as well as other tests, are recommended for further diagnosis.