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

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland in men. PSA levels in the blood may be elevated in prostate cancer, but they can also rise due to non-cancerous conditions such as prostate enlargement, prostate inflammation, or urinary tract infections.

Screening tests help detect diseases at an early stage, allowing timely treatment and better management of the disease. Since most men with early-stage prostate cancer do not experience symptoms, PSA testing is an important screening tool. An elevated PSA level may be one of the earliest signs of prostate cancer. 

Although the PSA test is sensitive, it is not specific to cancer and cannot distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous causes of elevated PSA levels. However, it remains one of the most valuable tools for the early detection of prostate cancer, improving the chances of timely diagnosis and effective treatment. PSA testing is also useful for monitoring disease progression, assessing response to treatment, and detecting cancer recurrence.

The PSA test may be advised for men in the following situations:

• If you have reached the age of 50
• If you are considered high risk (father or brother had prostate cancer or you have BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations), you may start getting screened from the age of 40.
• If you are having difficulty in urinating, urinating more than usual, or having sudden urges to urinate.
• If you find blood in the urine.
• If you have pelvic or back pain. 
• If you have difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection
• To help monitor the progression of the disease if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• To help monitor the effectiveness of therapy if you are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

• The frequency of testing depends on the risk factors of the individual and should be made in consultation with your doctor.
• For most men, PSA screening may be considered between 55 and 69 years of age, repeated every 2 to 3 years.
• Men who are at high risk may begin annual screening between 40 and 54 years of age.
• Men with elevated PSA levels or a significant increase in PSA over time may require testing every 6 months or more frequent testing.
• 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 
• Swelling and pain in the prostate gland
• Urinary tract infections 
• Use of certain medications

If your PSA 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.

Refrain from the following for 48 hours before the test:

• Sexual activity, including ejaculation.
• Any vigorous exercise, especially 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 had a urinary tract infection within the past three months.
• Have a liver condition such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or cystic fibrosis.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A blood sample is required for the PSA test. During sample collection, a tourniquet may be tied around the upper arm to make the veins more visible. A small blood sample is then collected from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle. After the procedure, a bandage may be applied to the collection site to stop minor bleeding.

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 subside after a minute.

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.

Potential Risks and Complications

There are minimal risks associated with having blood drawn for this test, which may occur rarely:

• Feeling lightheaded
• Risk of bruising
• Minor bleeding
• Infection 
• Difficulty finding the vein

Understanding Prostate Specific Antigen Test Limitations

• An elevated PSA level does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, as it may also occur in several non-cancerous conditions affecting the prostate.
• PSA screening may identify slow-growing prostate cancers that might never cause symptoms or affect overall health during a person’s lifetime.
• Not all prostate cancers produce high PSA levels, which means some cancers may not be detected through PSA testing alone.

The typical price for a PSA test at PharmEasy in Nagpur starts from INR 489. However, the cost may fluctuate for various reasons such as location and the diagnostic provider. If you're interested, you can compare PSA test prices across other major Indian cities.

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

• Dharampeth
• Ramdaspeth
• Civil Lines
• Seminary Hills
• Sitabuldi
• Mahal
• Itwari
• Laxmi Nagar
• Panchsheel Nagar
• Parvati Nagar
• Khamla
• Manish Nagar
• Manewada
• Ganjipeth
• Vayusena Nagar
• Besa
• Sonegaon
• Bagadganj
• Jaripatka
• Mankapur

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