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

The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland in men. It is released into the seminal fluid to help liquefy semen, but small amounts can naturally leak into the bloodstream.

The PSA test is primarily used to screen for prostate cancer and monitor men who have already been diagnosed with the disease. It may also be used for evaluating urinary issues in men, such as frequent or painful urination and pelvic pain.

While a high PSA level can be a warning sign for prostate cancer, an elevated result does not always mean cancer. Several non-cancerous conditions of the urinary or pelvic area are much more common causes of a spike in PSA.

If PSA levels are elevated, your doctor may advise a repeat PSA test, digital rectal exam, prostate MRI, or biopsy to aid in the diagnosis. For personalised guidance on whether you should be screened, you may consult your primary care physician or urologist.

• If you are an adult male above 50 years of age or have a close family member (father, brother, or son) with prostate cancer.
• If you experience frequent urination, difficulty in urinating, blood in the urine or semen, pelvic or back pain, or urinary incontinence.
• Your doctor may also recommend this test to monitor disease progression, treatment response, or recurrence if you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The frequency of undergoing the PSA test depends on the individual's age and risk factors and must be decided after discussion with your doctor.

• Age 40-45 years: A single PSA test to establish a baseline PSA level.
• High-risk men aged 45 years and older: Annual PSA testing.
• Men aged 50 years and older: PSA testing every 2-3 years, depending on individual risk factors and previous results.
• Men aged 75 years and older or those with a life expectancy of less than 10 years: Routine PSA screening is generally not recommended.
• Abnormal PSA results: Repeat testing and follow-up monitoring, typically every 6-12 months, may be advised.

• Prostate cancer screening in asymptomatic patients
• Initial test for the diagnosis of prostate cancer in those with urinary symptoms
• Monitoring treatment response and recurrence in patients who have prostate cancer or are in remission.
• PSA levels can also be abnormal in benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infections, inflammation, and infection of the prostate, and if you take certain medications. 

Elevated PSA values do not confirm prostate cancer. Further investigations will be advised for determining 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 test results, avoid activities that may temporarily increase PSA levels for at least 48 hours before the blood sample is collected:

• Avoid sexual activity, including ejaculation.
• Refrain from vigorous physical activity, particularly cycling or motorcycle riding, which can place pressure on the prostate gland.
• Avoid prostate manipulation, such as prostate massage or a digital rectal examination (DRE), immediately before the test.

What to Expect Before the Test

• The PSA test can be performed at any time of the day and does not require fasting.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking medications for prostate enlargement or hair loss, such as finasteride or dutasteride.
• You should also mention any recent urinary tract procedures, including catheterisation, cystoscopy, or a prostate biopsy, within the previous six weeks.
• If you currently have, or have recently recovered from, a urinary tract infection, your healthcare provider may recommend postponing the test.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

A trained phlebotomist will arrive at your home at the scheduled time. 

• An elastic band will be tied over the upper arm, and you may be asked to make a tight fist.
• A sterile needle will be inserted into a vein in your inner arm to collect the blood sample.
• After the needle is removed, you may be asked to apply pressure to the site with a cotton gauze, and then a bandage may be placed.

What to Expect After the Test

• A 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, which will pass in about a minute.
• Once the sample is analysed in the laboratory, the report will be uploaded to the PharmEasy platform for easy access. The healthcare provider will interpret the results and advise further evaluation or treatment if required.

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).

PSA normal values are age-dependent:

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/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.

Occasionally, side effects related to blood sample collection, such as slight bleeding, bruising, dizziness, fainting, difficulty locating veins, or a small risk of infection, may occur. Try not to exert the arm too much to reduce the risk of bruising.

Understanding Prostate Specific Antigen Test Limitations

• Elevated PSA levels do not always indicate prostate cancer and may lead to additional investigations, such as prostate biopsies, which carry risks of discomfort, bleeding, and infection.
• A normal PSA result does not completely rule out prostate cancer, as some cancers may not cause a significant rise in PSA levels.
• PSA screening may identify slow-growing prostate cancers that are unlikely to cause symptoms or affect life expectancy, potentially resulting in unnecessary treatment and associated side effects.
• Non-cancerous conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and urinary tract infections, can also increase PSA levels, making interpretation more challenging.

In Hyderabad, the average cost of a PSA test at PharmEasy typically starts from INR 489. However, various factors can influence the cost fluctuations of a PSA test, such as location and the diagnostic provider. For more insights, you can compare PSA test prices across major Indian cities.

You can book Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA For Men) in Hyderabad through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Gachibowli
• Somajiguda
• Madhapur
• Kondapur
• Kukatpally
• Miyapur
• Jubilee Hills
• Banjara Hills
• Ameerpet
• Begumpet
• Secunderabad
• Manikonda
• Nallagandla
• Chanda Nagar
• Himayatnagar
• Mehdipatnam
• Tolichowki
• Attapur
• Uppal
• LB Nagar

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