Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA For Men) In Chennai - Price & Details

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder in men that helps produce semen. The PSA test is a blood test that measures PSA levels in the blood. While low levels of PSA are normal, elevated levels may be associated with prostate cancer as well as several non-cancerous conditions, such as prostate enlargement or inflammation. 

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide and the third most common in India. 

The PSA test is commonly used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. However, it is not specific to cancer, so additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

• Men above 50 years of age.
• Men whose close family members have had prostate cancer.
• Men who have symptoms of a prostate condition, such as painful, slow, or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, pelvic or back pain, or urinary incontinence (involuntary urination).
• To help monitor the progression of the disease in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• To help monitor the effectiveness of treatment in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

• The frequency of testing depends on age and individual risk factors, and the decision should be made in consultation with your doctor.
• Men at higher risk of prostate cancer may begin screening between 40 and 54 years of age.
• For most men, regular PSA screening is typically considered between 55 and 69 years of age, when the benefits of early detection are greatest. Annually, PSA testing or testing every 2 to 3 years may be sufficient.
• Men with elevated PSA levels or a significant increase in PSA over time may require more frequent testing and further evaluation.
• Routine screening should be discontinued in men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years or beyond the age of 75.

The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer. However, increased PSA levels may also be detected in other non-cancerous conditions, such as:

• An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Prostatitis (swelling and pain in the prostate gland)
• Urinary tract infections 
• Use of certain medications

A PSA test cannot show what is causing abnormal PSA levels. So, if your level is high, you may need other tests to confirm prostate cancer or determine the cause of increased PSA levels.

Disclaimer: The above list is for educational purposes only and does not confirm a diagnosis or the presence of any condition. Always consult your doctor about your test results and diagnosis.

To help ensure accurate PSA results, avoid the following for 48 hours before the test:

• Sexual activity, including ejaculation.
• Vigorous exercise, particularly cycling.

What to Expect Before the Test

Fasting is not required for this test. Inform your healthcare provider if you:

• Take medications for prostate enlargement or hair loss, such as finasteride or dutasteride.
• Have recently undergone prostate surgery, a prostate biopsy, urinary catheterisation, or other urinary tract procedures.
• Have a urinary tract infection or have had one within the past three months.
• Have a liver condition that may affect test results.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

A blood sample is required for the PSA test. The following can be expected during the sample collection:

• An elastic band is tied over the upper arm. 
• A needle is inserted into a vein in the inner arm to collect the blood.
• A bandage is placed over the blood collection site to stop minor bleeding.

What to Expect After the Test

• Slight pain or a sting may be felt when the needle is inserted. Mild throbbing at the site may also be felt after the blood is drawn.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

The PSA test measures a single key parameter:

• Total PSA (prostate specific antigen) - measured in ng/mL (nanograms per millilitre). This is the primary value your doctor uses for initial prostate health assessment.

PSA normal values are age-dependent. The table below shows age-specific reference ranges used in clinical practice:

Important note: Normal PSA ranges may vary between laboratories and between Indian and Western reference populations. Studies show PSA ranges tend to be lower in Indians.

The PSA result must be interpreted in the context of your age, symptoms, digital rectal examination findings, and the free-to-total PSA ratio. A single elevated PSA reading is not sufficient for diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This table is for educational purposes only. PSA interpretation requires the expertise of a qualified urologist. A high PSA does not confirm prostate cancer; false positives are common. Never make treatment decisions based on PSA alone.

Potential Risks and Complications

There is minimal risk involved with having blood taken for the PSA test. Blood vessels may vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Bleeding
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Understanding Prostate Specific Antigen Test Limitations

• A PSA test cannot tell the difference between abnormal PSA levels and prostate cancer and non-cancerous conditions. 
• A PSA test may lead to finding and treating prostate cancers that are slow-growing and would never have affected your health. 
• Some types of prostate cancer do not cause elevated PSA levels.

In Chennai, the usual price for a PSA test at PharmEasy is approximately INR 489. However, several factors contribute to the fluctuation in the cost of a PSA test, such as location and the diagnostic provider. For further information, you can compare PSA test prices across various major Indian cities.

You can book the PSA Test in Chennai through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Anna Nagar
• T. Nagar
• Adyar
• Velachery
• Nungambakkam
• Mylapore
• Alwarpet
• Besant Nagar
• Tambaram
• Porur
• Guindy
• Saidapet
• Kodambakkam
• Ashok Nagar
• Kilpauk
• Perambur
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Sholinganallur
• Medavakkam
• Perungudi

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pin code.