Test guide
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
A protein produced by prostate tissue; elevated values can reflect prostate cancer but also common benign conditions.
What it is for
Contributes to prostate cancer detection discussions in shared decision-making, supports monitoring after diagnosis or treatment, and assists evaluation of urinary symptoms. Free-to-total PSA ratio can refine interpretation in specific ranges.
Limitations
PSA rises with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, urinary retention, and recent procedures (cycling, catheterisation, biopsy), so it is neither cancer-specific nor diagnostic. Screening decisions require shared discussion of harms and benefits and should never be driven by a single value. Result interpretation varies with age and assay platform.
Before you test
Avoid cycling and ejaculation for about 48 hours before sampling where feasible; report recent urinary infection or prostate procedures.
Health information only. This guide does not diagnose or replace advice from a healthcare professional.
Also known as
- PSA
- total PSA
- free PSA
Reviewed products
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