What Is Total PSA Test?

reasons to test

According to labtests.org the total PSA test is recommended if prostate cancer is actually diagnosed. This test can effectively monitor your treatment plan and detect recurrences of the cancer once treatment is completed. It can also be used to screen men with or without symptoms.

Meaning

Protein Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced in the prostate. While it is okay for some of this protein to lurk in semen, it is the amount that is detected in blood that is cause for cancer concern.

Testing

During a total PSA test a doctor takes a blood sample and sends it to a lab where the PSA level is measured.

Levels

Any level that is below 4.0 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter) is considered a normal PSA level. Anything between 4 and 10 constitutes a 1 in 4 chance of getting cancer. Anything over 10 gives you a 50/50 chance.

Other indicators

Besides indicating the presence of cancer, there are other reasons why a man's PSA level might be elevated. Natural aging, presence of inflammation or infection of the prostate gland and even riding a bike can temporarily elevate PSA levels.

Warnings

According to mayoclinic.com false positives are common. Only about 1 in 4 men who have a positive PSA test end up with cancer.

Combined Prevention

The FDA has approved the use of the total PSA test in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE) as ways to help detect prostate cancer in men over 50 years of age. Whether you should get these tests earlier depends on your race (African American men tend to develop prostate cancer more readily), hereditary links to the disease and consultation with your doctor.

References

• mayoclinic.com: Prostate Cancer Screening: Should you get a PSA Test?
• labtestsonline.org: PSA, The Test