The Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA test measures the level of free prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA, a protein produced by prostate gland cells, circulates through the body in two ways: bound to other proteins or on its own. PSA circulating unbound in the blood is called free PSA. The total PSA test measures the total of both bound and free PSA, while the free PSA measures the level of unbound PSA alone.
Free PSA levels in the blood get affected in conditions affecting prostate health, such as prostate enlargement (benign prostatic enlargement or BPH) and prostate cancer. Prostate cancer does not show any symptoms in its early stages but may be fatal as it progresses to its advanced stages. Therefore, a free PSA test, along with other tests like total PSA, can be used as an early diagnosis and primary screening test for prostate health.
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