Total PSA test

Total PSA test

PSA is a so-called prostate-specific antigen – it is a protein produced by prostate gland. A total PSA test is a blood test performed for early detection of prostate cancer.

The PSA test is painless. It can be performed at any time of the day as long as the rules of preparation for the test are followed. This is one of the basic screening tests all males should have. Risk factors of prostate cancer include age and genetic factors. The risk is much greater if two of the closest relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

PSA test: who should have it?

Total PSA test should be performed in men who:

• are 50 years old (or older) – every 1-2 years
• are 45 years old (or older) – if their father or brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65
• are 40 years old (or older) – if many relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65
• have symptoms of prostate cancer
• have haematuria, pain in the perineum or lower abdomen
• have a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer

The frequency of the test depends on PSA result:

2.5 ng/mL and more – every year.

Each patient should make the decision to perform the test after having been provided with details about the benefits and risks associated with the test (false positive results – increased PSA levels may also be associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and inflammation of the prostate gland). The rate of increase in PSA level should also be taken into account. An increase of more than 20% per year or more than 0.75 ng/mL may indicate the disease.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

• frequent urination
• bladder pressure
• weak urine stream
• constipation
• lower back pain
• weight loss
• erectile dysfunction

Make sure that you do not underestimate the first symptoms of the disease. Detecting the neoplasm in the advanced stage significantly complicates the treatment. There is no characteristic symptoms of early stage prostate cancer – but as it develops, it can easily metastasize to the lymph nodes.

More than 10 men die from prostate cancer every day – make sure to get screened!

The normal ranges for total PSA

• age 40-49: 0.0-1.5 ng/mL
• age 50-59: 0.0-2.5 ng/mL
• age 60-69: 0.0-4.5 ng/mL
• age 70-79: 0.0-7.5 ng/mL

The test result should always be discussed with the doctor who, based on the examination and an interview with the patient, will assess whether further tests should be performed.

Increased levels of total PSA

If the total PSA level rises above 10 ng/mL the patient is at increased risk of prostate cancer. The doctor may then recommend further diagnosis.

The increased PSA level may also be the consequence of a recent rectal examination or inflammation after bladder catheterisation. The most common cause is also a benign prostatic hyperplasia.

To check how to prepare for the examination, please see the next tab.

Actions such as:

1. train ride
2. cycling
3. sexual intercourse

cause compression of the prostate gland and increase of PSA serum concentration. Consequently, the PSA test should be performed 2 days before or after any of these activities.

It is recommended to collect blood on an empty stomach, i.e. 8-12 hours after the last meal. Before the examination, patient should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.

It is allowed to drink a small amount of water immediately before the test. A 15-minute rest is recommended before the blood collection.

PLEASE NOTE: Incorrect preparation for the test can lead to getting unreliable results.

Blood collection procedure

The test consists in drawing the blood from arm vein into a test tube. According to the collection procedure it includes: decontamination of the skin, putting on a tourniquet and clenching the fingers to expose the vein. Blood collection takes several seconds. After the blood collection, make sure to apply pressure to the puncture on an outstretched arm. The procedure does not take longer than a few minutes.

The results of total PSA test

• Test result available within 1 working day.