by Parlikar U

Definition

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men that makes fluid for semen. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate. It is made by healthy and cancerous prostate cells. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood.

Anatomy of the Prostate
Anatomy of the Prostate Gland
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reasons for Test

The PSA test is used to:

  • Monitor treatment effectiveness for prostate cancer
  • Help determine if cancer has returned in men who have already been treated for prostate cancer
  • Test for other conditions, like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia

The PSA test may also be used as a screening tool for prostate cancer . However, this use is controversial. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the PSA test, and your personal risk factors for prostate cancer.

Possible Complications

There are no major complications associated with this test.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

  • Ejaculation may cause PSA levels to rise. Ask your doctor whether you should avoid sexual activity for 24 hours before testing.
  • Some procedures can elevate PSA levels. Schedule your PSA test several weeks after any of these:
  • Wait several weeks after successful treatment of prostate infections.
  • Some medications can lower PSA levels. Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you take.

Description of Test

You will be asked to sit. An area inside your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. A large band will be tied around your arm. The needle will then be inserted into a vein. A tube will collect the blood from the needle. The band on your arm will be removed. Once all the blood is collected, the needle will be removed. Some gauze will be placed over the site to help stop bleeding. You may also be given a bandage to place over the site.

After Test

After the blood sample is collected, you may need to stay seated for 10-15 minutes. If you are lightheaded, you may need to stay seated longer. Once you feel better, you can leave.

How Long Will It Take?

The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

It may be uncomfortable when the needle pierces your skin.

Results

The results are usually available in a few days to a week. Your doctor will talk to you about your results.

If your PSA level is slightly elevated, but there are no other reasons to suspect prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend closely following your PSA levels.

If your PSA level is too high, has risen significantly, or the doctor notices a prostate lump during a digital rectal exam, you will probably need to schedule other tests, such as a prostate biopsy.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Bleeding from the puncture site
  • Red, swollen, or painful puncture site
  • If you have not heard from your doctor in 1-2 weeks

RESOURCES

American Cancer Society  http://www.cancer.org 

Urology Care Foundation  http://www.urologyhealth.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Cancer Society  http://www.cancer.ca 

Prostate Cancer Canada  http://www.prostatecancer.ca 

References

Fang J, Metter EJ, et al. PSA velocity for assessing prostate cancer risk in men with PSA levels between 2.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. Urology. 2002;59:889-893.

How did the USPSTF arrive at this recommendation? US Preventative Services Task Force website. Available at: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/SupportingDoc/prostate-cancer-screening/how-did-the-uspstf-arrive-at-this-recommendation-. Accessed January 26, 2021.

PSA testing for the pretreatment staging and posttreatment management of prostate cancer: 2013 revision of 2009 best practice statement. American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.auanet.org/education/guidelines/prostate-specific-antigen.cfm. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Prostate cancer screening. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website.  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113802/Prostate-cancer-screening  . Accessed January 26, 2021.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) Test. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/PSA. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Screening for prostate cancer: current recommendation. US Preventative Services Task Force website. Available at: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/prostatecancerscreening/prostatecancerfaq.htm. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Stephan C, Stroebel G, et al. The ratio of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to prostate volume (PSA density) as a parameter to improve the detection of prostate carcinoma in PSA values in the range of < 4 ng/mL. Cancer. 2005;104:993-1003.

5/6/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Schröder FH, Hugosson J, et al. Screening and prostate-cancer mortality in a randomized European study. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:1320-1328.

Revision Information