Prostate Specific Antigen, PSA, Free and Total Test

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein which is produced by the cells of the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA might indicate a non-cancerous condition such as prostatitis, prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. The PSA levels may tend to increase in all men as they age up. The PSA test measures PSA level in a man’s blood. For PSA test, a sample of blood is collected from the patient and is sent to a lab for examination. The result of the tests is usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood. PSA exists in the blood in two main forms that are complexed and free. Total PSA is the most frequently used test which helps in measuring the sum of complexed and free PSA in the blood.

For PSA test, you are asked not to consume any dietary supplements or multivitamins which contains biotin, which is commonly found in nail, skin, and hair supplements and multivitamins for at least 12 hours before the blood test. You are also asked to avoid ejaculation for 24 hours before the collection of a sample. It is also asked to collect the sample before the health professional performs a digital rectal exam and a prostate biopsy because both of these can elevate the levels of PSA. You also need to inform the doctor regarding the medical condition or allergies before undergoing PSA test.

The PSA test is used to screen both the symptomatic and asymptomatic men for prostate cancer. The PSA test measures the free and total PSA levels. The PSA test is also ordered in cases where slow-growing of cancer appears. The test helps to monitor the progress rather than pursuing immediate treatment. The PSA test is also used to look at the ratio of free to total PSA. This helps to distinguish between non-cancer and prostate cancer causes of elevated PSA. The PSA test is also used as a monitoring tool which helps in determining the effectiveness of treatment related to prostate cancer.

The PSA test is conducted by collecting a blood sample. The area of the upper arm is rubbed with an antiseptic liquid and an elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm. After that, a needle is injected into the vein of the arm to collect the blood sample. The blood sample is collected in a tube which is attached to the needle. The needle is then removed from the area and a cotton pad is applied to the area to stop the bleeding. The collected blood sample is sent to a lab for examination.