About Our PSA Test
Purpose of the Test
The purpose of a PSA test is to measure prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood and help evaluate prostate health. Since normal and cancerous cells both produce PSA, a PSA test is often used for prostate cancer screening, though it may also be used to assess other prostate conditions.
Testing may be ordered for several reasons, including:
- Screening for prostate cancer
- Evaluating symptoms that may be related to a prostate condition
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostate inflammation (Prostatitis)
- Urinary tract infection
- Urinary catheter
- Certain medications (e.g., betamethasone, testosterone)
- Monitoring the progression of prostate cancer in men who are already diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Checking response to treatment for prostate conditions such as prostate cancer,r PSA testing for prostate cancer screening is often discussed on an individual basis because prostate-specific antigen levels can be influenced by multiple factors. A health care provider may consider your age, family history, and overall health when deciding whether PSA testing is appropriate and how often it should be performed.
What Does Our PSA Test Measure?
A PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood at a given time.
PSA levels are typically low in healthy individuals, yet plays a role in normal prostate function. For example:
- It helps liquefy semen after ejaculation, allowing sperm to move more freely
- It is produced by cells in the prostate gland
- Small amounts normally enter the bloodstream, which is why prostate-specific antigen levels can be measured with a blood test
Results of a blood test for prostate-specific antigen are often referred to as prostate-specific antigen levels or PSA total. These results may be compared to a general reference range, but there is no single PSA range that applies to everyone.
Your PSA levels can be affected by factors other than cancer. Elevated PSA levels can be seen in certain other benign conditions, for example, prostate size, aging, recent medical procedures, and certain activities may influence PSA levels. Because of this, a higher PSA level does not always mean that prostate cancer is present.
In some cases, additional testing may be recommended in conjunction with the PSA test results. This may include repeat PSA testing or other evaluations to help determine the cause of changes in PSA levels. Certain drugs, and even obesity, may lower PSA levels with the possibility of having cancer but a normal PSA level. Test results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history, symptoms, and other findings to better understand what your PSA levels may indicate.
When Should I Get a PSA Test?
PSA testing for men may be recommended when there are questions about prostate health or as part of PSA testing for prostate cancer screening. In many cases, the decision about when to start PSA testing depends on individual risk factors. In general, PSA screening for men should start at age 55, but maybe as early as 40 if there is a family history of prostate cancer or are African-American (have a higher risk of developing cancers). A PSA test can be used as a prostate cancer test, but it may also help evaluate other prostate conditions or monitor changes in prostate-specific antigen levels over time.
Screening frequency may also vary and is dependent on your risk level and previous results. In general, PSA testing for men is performed at intervals recommended by a health care provider, rather than on a fixed schedule for everyone.
Testing may also be recommended if you have symptoms or findings that suggest a possible prostate condition. Common reasons for testing include:
- Difficulty urinating or changes in urinary flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pelvic discomfort or pain
- Abnormal findings during a physical exam
Not everyone with changes in prostate-specific antigen levels will have noticeable symptoms. In some cases, PSA testing for prostate cancer screening is discussed as part of routine preventive care. Recommendations about when to start PSA testing and how often testing should be performed can vary between organizations.
Because of this, decisions about PSA testing for men are often made through shared discussions between you and your healthcare provider. If you are unsure whether PSA testing is appropriate, your provider can help determine whether a PSA test may be useful based on your symptoms, health history, and screening goals.
Finding a PSA Test
How to Get Tested
A PSA test is typically performed on a blood sample taken at a hospital, clinic, or laboratory. In most cases, a health care provider will order the test, but some people may be able to request a PSA lab test directly through certain online testing services.
A trained health care professional will collect a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The collection process is usually quick and can often be completed during a routine visit or scheduled lab appointment.
Can I Take the Test at Home?
At-home options for PSA testing are available, though they are less common. These tests typically involve collecting a small blood sample using a finger-prick method and sending it to a lab for analysis.
While convenient, at-home tests may be less accurate than a standard prostate blood test performed in a clinical setting. Because PSA levels can be influenced by many factors, a health care provider can help determine whether at-home testing is appropriate and how results should be interpreted.
How Much Does the Test Cost?
The cost of a PSA test can vary depending on where the test is performed, whether it is part of a broader panel, and your insurance coverage. A PSA lab test ordered by a health care provider may be covered by insurance, although you may still be responsible for copays or deductibles.
If you choose to schedule a PSA check directly, pricing may vary based on the testing provider and location.
Taking a PSA Test
Collecting blood for a PSA test is usually done in a medical setting such as a doctor’s office, clinic, or laboratory. Because PSA levels can be influenced by certain activities and conditions, your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions before testing.
Before the Test
In most cases, no fasting is required before a PSA test. However, your health care provider may recommend avoiding certain activities before your appointment. For example, ejaculation, recent medical procedures involving the prostate, or infections affecting the urinary tract may temporarily raise PSA levels.
It is important to tell your provider about any medications you are taking, as well as any recent procedures or symptoms. This information can help ensure that your PSA test results are interpreted accurately.
During the Test
For a PSA test, a health care professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The area will be cleaned, and a small needle will be used to draw blood into a collection tube. You may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort during the procedure.
The process usually takes only a few minutes, and the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis to measure prostate-specific antigen levels.
After the Test
After the blood sample is collected, you may have mild soreness or slight bruising at the site where the needle was inserted. These effects are usually temporary, and you can return to your normal activities right away.
Once the sample has been analyzed, your PSA test results will be shared with your health care provider or made available through a patient portal. Results are typically ready within a few days, depending on the testing facility.