Overview
A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Small amounts of PSA are normally present in the blood, but higher levels may suggest prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis.
The test is simple and minimally invasive, yet it provides valuable information about the health of the prostate. However, it is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A high PSA level does not automatically mean cancer, and a normal PSA level does not guarantee the absence of disease. This is why healthcare providers interpret PSA values in the context of symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Doctors may recommend the test in the following situations:
Screening for prostate cancer: Men over 50, or those at higher risk due to family history or ethnicity, may be advised to undergo PSA testing. In high-risk groups, testing can begin earlier.
Investigating symptoms: Urinary problems, blood in urine or semen, or persistent pelvic pain may prompt a PSA test.
Monitoring treatment: For patients with prostate cancer, repeat PSA testing helps check treatment success and detect recurrence early.
The PSA test measures two main values:
Total PSA: The overall concentration of PSA in blood, reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Levels above 4 ng/mL are often considered elevated, though interpretation depends on age and medical history.
Free PSA: PSA that is not bound to proteins in the blood. The ratio of free to total PSA provides additional information. A lower ratio (below 25%) may suggest higher risk of cancer, while a higher ratio is often linked to benign conditions.
The PSA test is quick and straightforward. A healthcare professional takes a small blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm, and sends it for laboratory analysis. Results are typically available within a day or two.
Before the test, a few precautions are recommended:
Avoid sexual activity, particularly ejaculation, for 24–48 hours, as this can temporarily increase PSA levels.
Refrain from intense physical activity such as cycling, which may put pressure on the prostate.
Inform your doctor about medications, especially drugs for prostate enlargement like finasteride or dutasteride, as these can lower PSA readings.
These precautions help ensure the accuracy of the test and prevent misleading results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PSA test safe?
What does an elevated PSA mean?
What PSA levels are concerning?
Should everyone take a PSA test?
What is the free psa test price in Bangalore?