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PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

Also referred as

PSA blood test

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The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total is a blood test that measures the total amount 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.

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Understanding PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder in men. It produces a protein called PSA, which helps sperm move during ejaculation. The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test measures the total amount of PSA in the blood, which includes both ( free and bound ) forms of PSA. Free PSA is not attached to anything in the blood, while bound PSA is attached to certain proteins.

Your doctor may suggest the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test if you have:

Trouble urinating
Frequent urination (especially at night)
Blood in urine
Pain or burning while urinating
The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test is advised for men over 50, or after 40 for those with a family history of prostate issues, aging, or a high-fat diet.

No fasting is required for this test. Eat and drink as per your daily routine. Avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about all the medications that you are taking at the moment. Do not take the test right after a prostate exam, biopsy, or catheter use, as these factors may cause a false increase in PSA levels.

High PSA levels may indicate an enlarged prostate, inflammation of the prostate, infection, or cancer. Low PSA levels (after treatment) may not always confirm that the disease is gone. Additionally, a PSA test alone does not always confirm cancer- your doctor may suggest further investigations( such as a biopsy, digital rectal examination (DRE), etc).

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories due to different testing methods. Hence, prefer using the same lab every time for repeat PSA testing. This helps ensure consistent results. Remember, early prostate cancer may not always show up in a PSA test; that’s why your doctor may recommend additional testing if you have risk factors or symptoms.

Lifestyle Tips to Keep PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Levels in a Healthy Range:

🥙Healthy Diet: Eat food like tomatoes, broccoli, legumes, whole grains, etc., to support your PSA levels. Avoid a high-fat diet.

Early Screening: PSA testing is recommended to begin in the early 50s, or earlier for those at higher risk of prostate cancer.

🚴Activity (Exercise): Engage in regular moderate exercise. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports prostate function.

Lifestyle (Stress): Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to support healthy PSA levels.

👨‍⚕️Talk to Your Doctor (Consult): Consult your doctor to know when to get a PSA test, especially if you're at higher risk.

🚭Habits (Alcohol & Smoking): These habits can negatively affect your prostate health.

What does PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total measure?

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. It is a protein secreted by the prostate gland in men. It exists in two forms: Free PSA ( not attached to anything in the blood) and bound PSA ( attached to certain proteins in the blood). PSA helps sperm move during ejaculation, and only a small amount is released into the blood. High PSA levels may signal an enlarged prostate, inflammation of the prostate, infection, or cancer. Low PSA levels do not always rule out that the disease is gone.

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test is intended as the primary screening test to identify prostate cancer, along with other investigations like DRE or a biopsy.

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FAQs related to PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total

What is the full form of PSA?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland.

What is the PSA Total test?

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test is a blood test that measures the total amount of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that liquefies the semen in males. This test helps find out prostate inflammation, infection, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer in men.

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. Always consult a doctor to understand your test results correctly.

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.

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.

What factors can affect the results of the PSA test?

Factors that can affect the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test results include age, size of the prostate gland, physical activity such as cycling, exercise and sexual activity within 48 hours. Also, prostate infections or injuries, medical procedures (such as a biopsy etc.) and use of certain medicines (such as painkillers, finasteride etc.) may affect the test results.

How can I reduce my PSA levels naturally?

Always consult your doctor if your test results show high PSA levels. Adopting lifestyle changes may help. Eat more proteins, tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables; maintain a healthy weight and practice stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation etc to manage stress as it is associated with high PSA levels and get enough Vitamin D.

What is prostatomegaly (grade 1)?

Prostatomegaly refers to an enlarged prostate. Grade 1 prostatomegaly is generally considered mild enlargement, often associated with benign conditions like BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

What is the normal size and weight of the prostate gland?

The average adult prostate is about the size of a walnut, weighing between 25 and 25 grams (g).

How much does the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test cost?

The cost of a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test can vary depending on your location, diagnostic laboratory, and whether the test is done as a single test or as part of a health screening package.

Content created by

Dr. Anupriya Nautiyal

MD Pathology, MBBS

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Last Updated

13th Oct 2025