Description
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), is a glycoprotein produced by cells of the prostate that remains free in the blood. A free PSA test measures the amount of unbound prostate-specific antigen in the blood, which helps physicians to identify problems such as prostate inflammation or tumor. Levels of PSA rise in conditions such as prostate cancer and also in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Monitoring free PSA is useful for detecting metastatic or chronic disease in patients receiving anti-prostate cancer therapy. If the levels of PSA are elevated after treatment, it indicates the recurrence of the disease. Now book your PSA test at an affordable price, with a home collection service from Medicas.,Non Fasting
Sample Required:
The PSA Total Test requires a blood sample. A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein, typically in your arm.
Test Time:
The results of the PSA Total Test are usually available within a day or a few days, depending on the laboratory’s processing time.
Test Normal Range:
The normal range for PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels can vary depending on age and other factors. In general, a PSA level of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or lower is considered normal. However, higher PSA levels can be normal in older men.
What is the Test?
The PSA Total Test measures the total amount of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in your blood. Elevated PSA levels can be an indicator of various prostate conditions, including prostate cancer.
Test Procedure:
A healthcare professional will clean the site where they will draw blood, usually from a vein in your arm. They will inject a needle into a tube to extract a little blood sample. The sample is subsequently sent to a laboratory for examination. The PSA levels in the blood sample are measured in the laboratory.
When to Take the Test:
Monitoring prostate health in men, especially those at risk of prostate cancer or with a family history of the disease. Assessing prostate conditions when symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine are present. As part of routine prostate cancer screening, usually beginning at age 50, but this can vary based on individual risk factors and medical history.
Who Should Take This Test:
Men who are at risk of prostate cancer or who have symptoms of prostate-related issues should consider the PSA Total Test. Your healthcare provider can help determine when and how often you should be tested.
Precautions for Exceptional Cases (Pregnancy, etc.):
The PSA Total Test is specifically designed for men, and it is not applicable to pregnancy or female health. Women do not produce PSA in significant amounts.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q1: Does an elevated PSA level always indicate prostate cancer?
A: No, an elevated PSA level can be caused by various factors, including benign prostate conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). Further evaluation, such as a biopsy, may be needed to determine the cause.
Q2: Can medications or recent sexual activity affect PSA levels?
A: Yes, certain medications, as well as recent ejaculation or sexual activity, can temporarily raise PSA levels. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any factors that might affect your results.
Q3: What happens if my PSA level is elevated?
A: An elevated PSA level may prompt further tests, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) or a prostate biopsy, to determine the cause. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results and recommend appropriate next steps.
Q4: Is PSA testing recommended for all men?
A: The decision to undergo PSA testing should be based on individual risk factors and discussions with your healthcare provider. Some men may benefit from regular PSA screening, while others may not need it.
Q5: Can a low PSA level guarantee the absence of prostate cancer?
A: No, while a low PSA level is generally reassuring, it does not completely rule out the possibility of prostate cancer. Other factors, including family history and physical exam findings, are also important considerations in assessing prostate health.
