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 liquify semen and allows sperms to move freely during ejaculation. The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test measures the total amount of PSA in the blood, which indicates the combined level of all PSA, both free and bound to other 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 test is not recommended for routine prostate cancer screening in the general population. Testing is advised for men over 50 with average risk, and for those over 40 if they are at higher risk such as having a family history of prostate issues.

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.).

Total PSA 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 is why your doctor may recommend additional testing if you have risk factors or symptoms.

What are the Symptoms or Conditions That May Require the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total Test?

You may need the PSA total test if you experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak urine stream or dribbling
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pelvic or lower back pain

Your doctor may also recommend this test to:

• Screen for prostate disorders in men above 50 years (or earlier in high-risk groups)
• Detect prostate carcinoma (prostate cancer)
• Monitor prostate cancer progression or treatment response
• Detect recurrence of prostate cancer after therapy

When Would I Need the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total Test?

You may need the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test if: 

• As a screening test to detect prostate cancer early and to determine its stage and progression.
• You have urinary difficulties, pelvic pain, or blood in urine or semen.
• Your doctor suspects prostate enlargement, inflammation, or infection.
• You are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and need regular monitoring.
• You have a family history of prostate cancer or are at increased risk.
• You are over 50 years of age and undergoing a routine health check.

How Do I Prepare for the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total Test?

Do I need to fast or stop any medications before the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test?

Fasting is not required before the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect your results. However, to ensure accurate results, avoid sexual intercourse, ejaculation, and strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours before sample collection, as these can temporarily raise PSA levels. Do not take the test within 7 days of a digital rectal examination (DRE) or rectal prostatic ultrasonography. If you have recently had a prostate biopsy, consult your doctor about when to schedule the test, as it can significantly elevate PSA levels. 

How is the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total done?

• The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total is done by collecting a small amount of blood from a vein, usually in the arm. 
• The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and generally causes only slight discomfort.

What happens during the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test?

• You will be seated comfortably with your arm supported on a flat surface or armrest.
• A tourniquet (elastic band) is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible and easier to locate.
• The phlebotomist identifies a suitable vein for blood collection.
• The puncture site is then cleaned thoroughly with an alcohol swab to reduce the risk of infection.
• A thin, sterile needle is gently inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube.

What happens after the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test?

• Once enough blood is collected, the tourniquet is released and the needle is removed.
• A cotton ball or gauze is placed on the site, followed by a small bandage or dressing to stop any bleeding.
• The blood sample is carefully labeled with your details and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• You can resume your daily routine after the test is done.

Is the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test painful?

No, the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test is generally safe and painless. However, you may feel slight discomfort during blood sample collection, but the chances of serious complications are extremely rare.

How Long Does the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total Test Take?

The Total PSA test procedure is quick, simple, and safe. It requires only a small blood sample and is completed within a short duration.

When Will I Get the Results?

The availability of PSA total test report may vary depending on your location and the laboratory where the test is conducted. In general, Tata 1mg provides the results within the stipulated time after sample collection.

When Should I Consult a Doctor After the Test?

You should consult your doctor if your PSA level is above normal, especially if you have urinary symptoms or pelvic discomfort. Your doctor will interpret PSA results along with your medical history and may suggest additional imaging or biopsy.

Are There Any Risks Associated with the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total Test?

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Total test is safe, with only minimal and short-lasting effects like:

• Small bruise, pinch, or slight tenderness at the puncture site
• Occasional lightheadedness if you are sensitive to needles or blood
• Rarely, infection or blood vessel injury

Note: If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, inform the phlebotomist beforehand.

Lifestyle Tips to Keep PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Levels in 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 are at higher risk.

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