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

The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA present in the bloodstream and is used to screen for prostate cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men. The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder. One of its main functions is producing PSA, a protein that contributes to the fluid nature of semen to allow easy movement of sperm. Usually, PSA is released into semen, with only a minimal amount entering the blood. However, when cancerous changes occur in prostate cells, PSA production increases, and larger amounts leak into the bloodstream, raising blood PSA levels. The PSA test detects this increase. In India, limited awareness about prostate cancer results in diagnosis only at advanced stages, making the PSA test an important tool for early detection and timely treatment. For this reason, it is commonly recommended as a routine screening test for men above the age of 50 and for those experiencing unusual urinary symptoms. It is important to note that elevated PSA levels are not always caused by cancer; factors such as aging, prostate enlargement, prostate infections, inflammation, and certain medications can also raise PSA levels. Approximately 7 out of 10 men with high PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. PharmEasy Labs usually provides PSA test results in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your location in Visakhapatnam.

• Men above 50 years of age and those with a family history of prostate cancer. The decision to undergo PSA screening should be made after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of testing with your doctor.
• Men experiencing symptoms suggestive of a prostate condition: difficulty or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, pelvic or back pain, or urinary incontinence.
• To monitor disease progression, treatment response, or recurrence in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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

• Screening for prostate cancer.
• Monitoring treatment progression in those undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
• Checking for recurrence in patients who had prostate cancer and are in remission.
• PSA levels can also be elevated if you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis), urinary tract infections (UTIs), or as a part of natural changes that happen as men get older.
• 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 diagnosis or the presence of any condition. Always consult your doctor for your test results and diagnosis.

What to Expect Before the Test

• Fasting is not required for the PSA test.
• It is advisable to avoid sex or masturbation for 48 hours before the test.
• Also avoid workouts for 48 hours before the test, especially riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
• Do not undergo the test soon after a prostate massage or rectal exam, as it can influence PSA levels.
• Tell your doctor about the following, as certain factors can affect PSA values:
• Recent illnesses
• Medicines and supplements (especially those for enlarged prostate or hair loss like finasteride or dutasteride)
• Recent procedures like urinary catheter insertion, cystoscopy, or prostate biopsy within the last 6 weeks
• Current or recent urinary tract infections
• Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top to allow easy access to the inside of your arm for blood sample collection.
• Tell the phlebotomist if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medicines before the blood sample is collected.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• You will be seated comfortably, and the phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic.
• The phlebotomist will place an elastic band around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
• A needle will be inserted into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or mild discomfort.
• Once the required amount of blood has been collected, the needle will be removed, and a small bandage will be applied.
• If you feel anxious, dizzy, or have a fear of needles, tell the phlebotomist. They can help you feel more comfortable, including allowing you to lie down if needed.
• To help you stay relaxed, avoid looking at the needle, focus on your breathing or another object, or listen to music during the procedure if you prefer.

What to Expect After the Test

• After the phlebotomist collects the blood sample, they will apply pressure to the puncture site and place a small bandage over it. Keep the bandage on for 1 to 2 hours or as advised.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with the affected arm for the rest of the day to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding.
• Your blood sample will be labelled and sent to a laboratory, where it is processed and analysed using specialised equipment.
• A qualified laboratory professional will verify the results before making them available. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other investigations.

The PSA test measures total prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in your blood.

Important Note: Normal PSA ranges may vary between laboratories and between Indian and Western reference populations.

The PSA result must be interpreted in the context of your age, symptoms, and digital rectal examination findings. 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.

Potential Risks and Complications

Blood sample collection is generally safe. Most side effects, if they occur, are mild and temporary.

• Common side effects: Mild pain or tenderness at the needle site, a small bruise, or brief dizziness or light-headedness.
• Rare complications: A larger bruise (haematoma), infection at the puncture site, inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), or temporary nerve irritation.

Seek medical advice if you develop persistent pain, increasing redness or swelling, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection at the puncture site.

Understanding Prostate Specific Antigen Test Limitations

• Elevated PSA levels are not specific to prostate cancer and can also result from non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate), prostate inflammation or infection, urinary tract infections, or recent ejaculation.
• Some aggressive prostate tumors may not raise PSA levels at all, offering false reassurance and leading to a missed diagnosis.
• The test can also detect slow-growing cancers that may never cause symptoms or pose a real threat during a person's lifetime. Identifying these can result in unnecessary procedures and treatments, such as surgery or radiation, which carry risks such as urinary problems and erectile dysfunction.
• This test cannot distinguish between fast-growing, aggressive cancers and slow, harmless ones.
• Factors such as age, certain medications, and obesity can also influence PSA levels and should be carefully considered during result interpretation.

The standard price for a PSA test at PharmEasy in Visakhapatnam usually starts from INR 649. However, several factors contribute to the variability in the cost of a PSA test, such as location and the diagnostic provider. For additional information, you can compare PSA test prices across different major Indian cities.

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

• MVP Colony
• Dwaraka Nagar
• Seethammadhara
• Siripuram
• Dabagardens
• Maharanipeta
• Gopalapatnam
• Gajuwaka
• NAD Junction
• Marripalem
• Madhurawada
• PM Palem
• Muralinagar
• Yendada
• Pendurthi
• Simhachalam
• Kurmannapalem
• Pedagantyada
• Kailasapuram
• Allipuram

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