Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

The PSA test helps determine the levels of a prostate-specific antigen in the blood. It is used to screen for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.

The levels of PSA in the blood are often elevated due to prostate cancer in men. The PSA test was approved in 1986 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to monitor the prognosis of prostate cancer in men who had been diagnosed with the condition. In 1994, the use of the PSA test was approved in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to diagnose prostate cancer in asymptomatic men. A PSA test, along with a DRE, helps doctors diagnose potential prostate-related issues..

The PSA test detects prostate cancer, prostate infection (prostatitis) and benign prostate enlargement. Although prostatitis and prostate enlargement are benign conditions, there is no evidence to suggest that men with these conditions will not develop prostate cancer. Studies show that PSA ranges are lower in Indians as compared to the Western population.

The PSA test is not a very accurate test as it can give you false-positive results due to the following reasons:

• If you have had sex in the last 48 hours
• If you have masturbated in the last 48 hours
• If you have had a rectal exam
• If you have had a urinary catheter inserted
• If you have had anal sex in the last 48 hours

Every 3 in 4 men with a raised PSA level will not develop prostate cancer. The PSA test may also miss out on about 15% of cancers.

Advantages of the PSA test:

You can relax if your PSA test results are normal.

You can detect cancer early with this test and get treated on time.

Disadvantages of the PSA test:

It can give false-positive or false-negative results.

The PSA test cannot differentiate between slow-growing cancer and fast-growing cancer.

Other Names of PSA test

• Free PSA
• Total PSA
• Complex PSA

What does the test measure and who is it prescribed for?

The PSA test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen in your body. PSA is a protein produced by the cells in the prostate gland in men. PSA levels are usually low in men. High levels of PSA indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic enlargement or infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis).

The PSA test is prescribed for men who have certain risk factors like:

• Increasing age - men above 50 years are more likely to develop prostate cancer
• Black ethnicity or having an African-American origin
• Strong family history of prostate cancer
• Obesity or overweight

The PSA test is suggested to people who experience the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain and/or backache

PSA test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer. Once you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you will need to get a PSA test done for the prognosis of the disease.

The PSA test is done by taking a blood sample. This test is done separately or can be done along with other routine blood tests.

Test Preparation

The PSA test takes a sample of your blood for testing. You need not fast for the test.

a. Before the PSA test

Before you get your PSA test done, avoid having sex or masturbating for 24 hours minimum. These activities can release semen and raise your PSA levels. Also, consult your physician before you get the PSA test done. Avoid getting a rectal examination before your test, as that can also give you false high results.

Make sure you don’t have the following before getting a PSA test done:

• Urinary infection
• Prostate biopsy in the past 6 weeks
• Exercised heavily in the last 48 hours
• Ejaculated in the last 48 hours

b. During the PSA test

It is a simple blood test that requires about 5-10 minutes.

c. After the PSA test

There are no restrictions after the PSA test. You can resume routine work and activity.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The PSA Test report detects the prostate-specific antigen present in your body.

Prostate Cancer, Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Prostatitis

PSA test results show the levels of the prostate-specific antigen in your blood.

High PSA levels

High PSA levels could indicate the following:

• Prostate cancer - Cancer of the prostate gland.
• Prostatitis - Infection of the prostate gland.
• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia - Enlargement of the prostate gland, which is non-cancerous.
• Age - As your age increases, your PSA levels will keep increasing even without any prostate problems.

Low PSA levels

Low PSA levels could indicate the following:

• Medications - Some medicines like dutasteride and finasteride decrease your PSA levels by half. If you are on these medicines, inform your doctor before getting the PSA test done.