Why would I need this test?

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Normally, small amounts of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are released into the bloodstream. Prostate-specific antigen is an enzyme made by the normal prostate gland of adult men. When the prostate gland is enlarged, infected, or diseased, larger amounts of PSA are released. Because men with prostate cancer have high levels of PSA, this test is used for early screening of prostate cancer. The level of PSA in the blood can be determined by a simple blood test.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men 50 years of age and older, are screened annually for prostate cancer with both a digital rectal examination (DRE), and a PSA blood test. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consider being tested at 45 years of age. Some healthcare insurance providers do not cover the cost of PSA screening. If you are over age 50, you should discuss this test with your healthcare provider.

Testing for PSA can also be used to monitor the course of prostate cancer or monitor and evaluate a patients's response to treatment.

How do I prepare for this test?

No special preparation is needed for this test. In order to prevent a falsely elevated result, your doctor may recommend that you have the PSA test either prior to, or at least 48 hours after, a DRE.

How is this test performed?

A technician, doctor, or nurse will begin by using an antiseptic to clean the skin above a vein on the arm. A blood sample will then be drawn. You may feel a brief pricking sensation when the needle is initially inserted. The blood sample will be collected into a tube and then sent to a lab for analysis.

How long does the procedure take?

A PSA blood test takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

What happens if an abnormality is found?

trova alberghi KeszthelyIf your PSA results are slightly elevated and the DRE was normal, your doctor may want to repeat the PSA test to see if it remains high.

An elevated PSA above 4 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) may indicate a 20% to 25% possibility of prostate cancer. If your PSA level is above 10 ng/mL, your chance of having prostate cancer is over 50% and increases further as your PSA level rises.

However, PSA results alone do not confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Other conditions can cause elevated PSA levels. An enlarged prostate, or a condition called benign prostate hyperplasia, can raise PSA levels two to three times higher than normal. An infected or inflamed prostate, and a biopsy or operation on the prostate, can also raise your PSA levels.

If your PSA results are high, further assessment and testing, including an ultrasound called a transrectal ultrasound, or a tissue biopsy are needed to confirm cancer.

Are there any risks associated with this test?

There are no risks associated with this test.

What is a desirable result?

Most men age 40 or older should have PSA levels under 4 ng/mL of blood. Ideally, PSA levels for men under age 40 should remain under 2.7 ng/mL.

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Disclaimer:The text presented on these pages is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information presented may not be appropriate or applicable to your individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The information may not be representative of benefits covered under your PacifiCare health plan. You must consult your Evidence of Coverage for information regarding the benefits, exclusions and limitations applicable to your PacifiCare health plan. Please consult PacifiCare or your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns in connection with the information presented on these pages.