PSA test for prostate cancer screening and monitoring prostate health in men.
Details:
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood and is used primarily for prostate cancer screening and monitoring.
Test Types
- Total PSA
- Free PSA
- Free/Total PSA Ratio
- PSA Velocity (rate of change over time)
- PSA Density (PSA relative to prostate size)
Clinical Applications
- Screen for prostate cancer
- Monitor prostate cancer treatment
- Detect prostate cancer recurrence
- Evaluate enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Assess prostatitis (prostate inflammation)
Interpretation
- Normal: Generally less than 4.0 ng/mL
- Borderline: 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL
- High: Greater than 10.0 ng/mL
- Note: PSA levels increase with age; reference ranges may vary
Important Notes
- Elevated PSA does not always mean cancer
- Can be elevated due to BPH, prostatitis, or other causes
- Should be interpreted with other clinical findings
- Free PSA ratio helps distinguish cancer from benign conditions
Sample Type
