Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Other names: PSA test

Prostate Specific Antigen abbreviated as PSA is protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood.

The prostate is a small gland that is part of a man's reproductive system. It is located below the urinary bladder. The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Different conditions associated with Prostate are:

• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate, sometimes caused by infection. It is typically treated with antibiotics.
• Enlarged prostate: Called benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH, prostate growth affects virtually all men over 50. Symptoms of difficult urination tend to increase with age. Medicines or surgery can treat BPH.

Prostate cancer: It’s the most common form of cancer in men (besides skin cancer). Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy can be used to treat prostate cancer.

Reference Values and Requirements for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

Reference values for Prostate Specific Antigen

 <4.0 ng/ml

Requirements:You will need to avoid having sex or masturbating for 24 hours before your PSA test, as releasing semen can raise your PSA levels.

Why Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is tested?

Blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer. In addition to prostate cancer, a number of benign (not cancerous) conditions can cause a man’s PSA level to rise. The most frequent benign prostate conditions that cause an elevation in PSA level are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate). The results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood.

Who should take Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test?

You may get a PSA test if you are athigh risk group of for prostate cancer such as:

• A father or brother with prostate cancer
• Your age. Prostate cancer is more common in men over the age of 50.

You may also get a PSA test if:

• You have symptoms such as painful or frequent urination, and pelvic and/or back pain.
• To monitor ongoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Interpretation:

If PSA is high, it could be because of prostate cancer or prostate infection. Infection can be easily treated with antibiotics. If you have high PSA or PSA has shown consecutive rise, your doctor may ask you to do additional screenings such as rectal examination or biopsy.

Hence, you should speak with doctor to better understand your report and medications. You doctor will also inform you regarding if you require any more screenings to be done or not.