PSA TEST (PROSTATE - SPECIFIC ANTIGEN)

PSA Test

It is a blood test done in males and is used to detect PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels in blood. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced predominantly by the prostate gland in males. PSA is produced in the ejaculate, where it liquefies semen in the seminal coagulum allowing the sperm to swim freely and also dissolving the cervical mucus, allowing the sperms to enter uterine cavity. The name is a misnomer as PSA is not specific to prostate and can be present in other body fluids of both men and women. Most PSA in blood is protein bound, but a tiny fraction is unbound and is called Free PSA. Both total and free PSA increase immediately after ejaculation, returning slowly to baseline levels within 24 hours. PSA levels increase slightly with age especially after 50yrs and caution needs to be executed in clinical decisions.

PSA blood test is basically used for early detection of prostate cancer. Whenever there is prostatic malignancy increase amount of PSA is produced by cancer cells and is released in blood.

Why is PSA blood test prescribed?

Your health care provider may ask you to undergo this test in following conditions:

Clinical uses:

• Prostate cancer screening
• Risk stratification and staging of prostatic cancer
• Post treatment monitoring of prostatic cancer
• Prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis
• Forensic identification of semen

What are the components of PSA total test?

PSA total test may be done along with digital rectal examination (DRE) in which doctor will insert finger into your rectum to feel for prostate and look for any abnormalities in it. If PSA test is found to be deranged other tests are done like free PSA test, PSA velocity test, PSA density test, PSA –based markers, imaging of prostate etc.

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for PSA test is taken from vein, small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. Avoid sex or masturbation at least 24 hrs before the test.

Reference range

PSA normal values vary with age.

PSA TOTAL

<=4.0 ng/ml