LAB TEST
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate cells. The PSA test is done to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer in men.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
Make sure your health care provider knows all the medicines you are taking. Some drugs cause your PSA level to be falsely low. In most cases, no other special steps are needed to prepare for this test. You should not have a PSA test soon after having a urinary tract infection or undergoing a procedure or surgery…
How the Test will Feel
You may feel slight pain or a prick when the needle is inserted. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. These soon go away.
Why the Test is Performed
Reasons for a PSA test: To screen for prostate cancer. To monitor people after prostate cancer treatment to see if the cancer has come back. If a provider feels the prostate gland is not normal during physical exam. MORE ABOUT SCREENING FOR PROSTATE CANCER Measuring the PSA level can increase the chance of finding…
Normal Results
The PSA test result cannot diagnose prostate cancer. Only a prostate biopsy can diagnose this cancer. Your provider will look at your PSA result and consider your age, ethnicity, medicines you are taking, and other things to decide whether your PSA is normal or whether you need more tests. A normal PSA level is…
What Abnormal Results Mean
A high PSA level has been linked to an increased chance of having prostate cancer. PSA testing is an important tool for detecting prostate cancer, but it is not foolproof. Other conditions can cause a rise in PSA, including: A large prostate Prostate infection (prostatitis) Urinary tract infection Recent tests on your…
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries 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: Excessive…
References
Cooney KA, Heath EI. Prostate cancer. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 186. National Cancer Institute website. Prostate cancer screening (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/hp/prostate-screening-pdq#section/all .…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 01/01/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.