Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total PSA). Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Total PSA is a prostate-specific antigen that is part of serine protease (prostate gland secretion).
Total PSA is a prostate-specific antigen that is part of serine protease (prostate gland secretion).
General Information
Using the PSA test, specialists can detect prostate-specific antigen in a patient’s blood, the presence of which may indicate a malignant tumor – prostate cancer.
Elevated PSA levels are the only cancer marker since early stages of the disease lack pronounced symptoms. This substance has a protein structure, formed in prostate tissues, and a small amount of the antigen may also be present in the blood of a healthy man.
An increase in PSA concentration is, in most cases, a sign not only of a cancerous tumor but also of milder conditions – adenoma (benign tumor) or prostatitis. In addition to the antigen test, other diagnostic methods are typically used. Computed tomography is often employed as an alternative method. For men aged 40-49, a normal level of this protein is 2.5 ng/mL; for those aged 50-59, it is 3.5 ng/mL.
The need for additional testing increases as PSA levels rise. This is a necessary measure for men aged 40-50 whose levels of this protein approach 4 ng/mL.
Indications for Total PSA Testing
This test is necessary for infectious diseases or inflammation of the urinary tract, frequent urination, adenoma, or prostatitis. Elevated levels of the specific antigen can also be false, for example, triggered by a prostate massage or ejaculation occurring less than 24 hours before the test.
As an additional preventive measure for prostate diseases, it is advisable for every man over 40 to undergo this examination.
How the Total PSA Test Is Conducted
Venous blood collection is performed on an empty stomach in the morning. At least 8 hours must have passed since the last meal. Before the procedure, it is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages, juice, coffee, or tea.
It is advisable to temporarily refrain from smoking, intense physical activity, and sexual intercourse. If the patient has undergone a prostate biopsy, at least 30 days must pass from that procedure to the day of blood collection. Additionally, recent rectal examinations, cystoscopy, or transrectal ultrasound may affect the accuracy of the results.
A referral is issued by a urologist, therapist, oncologist, or surgeon.
Turnaround Time for the Total PSA Test
Results are usually ready the next day, though in private clinics, they may be available within a few hours. It is preferable to conduct both primary and repeat tests at the same medical facility.
Prices and Clinics
A list of diagnostic centers offering this service can be found on the medical information website.
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