PSA Test

Description

PSA Test

Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test

Prostate-specific antigen is a type of protein produced by prostate cells into the bloodstream. Prostate-specific antigen test shows prostate cancer, prostatitis or an enlarged prostate gland in men. This test helps in detecting prostate cancer in the early stages and is less complicated to treat and cure. Prostate-specific antigen is usually done besides a digital rectal exam. This test may also be recommended to know the effectiveness of the treatment or to check the recurrence.

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland is found in men, which produces fluid that forms part of semen that is expelled during ejaculation. The gland is wrapped around the urethra at the bottom of the bladder. The healthy prostate gland is in the size of a walnut. Cancer may attack the cells in the prostate gland and lead to prostate cancer. Most prostates cancers grow slowly and it takes a long time before the symptoms are exhibited. Fast-growing cancer is rare but may be serious and sometimes life-threatening.

Age and family history are the other contributing factors. But the prostate antigen test alone can not differentiate the slow and fast-growing prostate cancer.

Why PSA test is performed?

Your doctor may recommend this test to you if you have symptoms like pain during urination or frequent urination, pelvic pain or back pain or had a history of prostate cancer or recently diagnosed or if you are on prostate cancer treatment to measure the effectiveness of the treatment, family history of prostate cancer (father or brother), considering your age because prostate cancer is most common in men above 50 years of age and also in African-American men.

Serum PSA test limitations

Prostate-specific antigen test results may be altered by infections like urinary infection, prostate infection, recent tests on your bladder or prostate, larger prostate size, benign prostatic hyperplasia, recently placed catheter tube into bladder to drain urine, recent intercourse or ejaculation, riding a bicycle before test, ejaculation before test, obesity, warmer climate, certain medicines like atorvastatin, simvastatin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, large doses of chemotherapy medications, etc. Hence inform your doctor or technician about all your current medications and medical conditions prior to the test.

1. An early indicator of Prostate Cancer – PSA test
2. Commonly used for prostate cancer screening
3. You will need to abstain from ejaculation or sex or masturbation for 3 days or at least 24 hours before a prostate-specific antigen test. Releasing semen may increase your test results.

Serum PSA test conditions

Note:

• Overnight fasting is not required for the PSA test
• Doctor’s prescription may be needed
• The test result may vary depending on age, health history, etc.
• Ideal for male above 40 yrs

Also known as, PSA Automated Blood, Prostate-Specific Antigen, psa total, psa total test, total psa,

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