Description
This test is intended for use as an aid in the management of patients following surgical or medical treatment for prostate cancer. Persistent elevation of PSA following treatment or an increase in a post-treatment PSA level has been found to be indicative of recurrent or residual disease. A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Includes:Total PSA, ultrasensitive.
Patient Instructions: PSA sampling should not be performed for at least 6 weeks after prostatic biopsy. For best results no ejaculation for 24 hours before submitting specimen.
Purpose of the test
To meassure the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level in blood in order to screen asymptomatic and symptomatic men for prostate cancer in order to help determine the necessity for a biopsy of the prostate and also in order to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer, or to detect recurrence of prostate cancer.
It was developed as a tumor marker to screen for and to monitor prostate cancer. It is a good tool, but not a perfect one. PSA levels are higher in those of African American heritage, and levels tend to increase in all men as they age.
Reference range values
<= 4.0 mcg/L or could be interpreted as <= 4.0 ng/ml
Abnormal findings
Patients with PSA level greater than 10mcg/L are at an increased risk for prostate cancer.
Levels between 4 and 10 may indicate prostate cancer BPH, or prostatitis. These conditions are more common in the elderly, as is a general increase in PSA levels.