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PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Also known as PSA blood test

₹649~~₹760~~ 14% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.
It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse, ejaculation, and vigorous exercise for up to 48 hours before sample collection.
Do not give sample within 7 days of Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) or Rectal Prostatic Ultrasonography.

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.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Frequently Asked Questions about PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Q. What is the full form of PSA?

The full form of PSA is prostate-specific antigen which is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland.

Q. What is a PSA Total test?

A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Total test is a blood test that measures the level of both free and bound forms of PSA protein which helps identify conditions such as prostate inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), prostate cancer, etc. in males.

Q. What happens if the PSA level is high?

A higher PSA level indicates a higher risk of prostate-related problems, such as prostate enlargement, urinary tract infection, or prostate inflammation due to irritation, injury, or a surgical procedure. Consult a doctor or a urologist to understand your lab reports, and do not panic if your reports show high PSA levels. High levels of PSA do not necessarily indicate that you have prostate cancer. Your PSA may be elevated for other reasons, which can be managed with appropriate treatment.

Q. What are the symptoms of high PSA levels?

The symptoms associated with high PSA levels are difficulty in urination, painful or frequent urination (particularly at night), blood in urine or semen, weak or interrupted flow of urine, difficulty holding urine, painful ejaculation, and persistent pain in the lower back, pelvis, or thighs.

Q. What tests are done after reports show high PSA levels?

If your reports suggest high PSA levels, your doctor may prescribe additional tests before considering a prostate biopsy. These tests include digital rectal examination (DRE), free PSA test, PSA velocity test (indicating the rate at which PSA increases over time), PSA density test (indicating the PSA per volume of the prostate), PSA-based markers (like Prostate Health Index, 4K score), urinary markers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate.

Q. What factors can affect the results of a PSA test?

The PSA levels in the blood can be affected by several factors, including age, vigorous exercise or physical activities such as cycling in the last 2 days before testing, prostate gland size, prostate inflammation due to injury or infection (such as urinary tract infection or UTI), and ejaculation or sexual intercourse (anal sex or prostate stimulation) within 48 hrs of examination. Procedures like direct prostate examination, chemotherapy, prostate biopsy, cystoscopy (an endoscope is inserted through the urethra to examine the urinary bladder), and urinary catheter insertion may also affect your test results. Certain medicines, like finasteride, dutasteride, painkillers, etc., can also influence your test results.

Q. How can I reduce my PSA levels naturally?

Always consult your doctor if your test results show elevated PSA levels. However, you can make lifestyle changes to reduce your PSA levels naturally. These include eating more proteins, tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables; maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in your body; exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight; and managing your stress, as high stress may be associated with elevated PSA levels.

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