Why is this procedure done?
Prostate-specific antigen test is also known as a PSA test. Prostate-specific antigen is a protein made by the prostate gland. The prostate is a part of the mans body that helps make a component of semen. The prostate is located at the base of the penis and in front of the rectum. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Help find prostate cancer
- See if prostate cancer treatments are working
- See if your prostate cancer has come back
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- The normal level for most men who do not have a problem with their prostate is less than 4.0 ng/mL.
- Levels between 4.1 ng/mL and 10.0 ng/mL mean you are at a higher risk of prostate problems. You may have an infection. Your prostate may also become enlarged from cancer or other problems.
- Levels over 10.0 ng/mL most often means you are at a very high risk of prostate cancer.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Drugs used to treat BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect the results of your PSA.
- Any bleeding problems
- If you have had a prostate biopsy in the past 3 weeks
- If you have recently had prostatitis or a urinary tract infection
- Do not have sex, masturbate, or ride a bike 48 hours before the test.
What happens during the procedure?
This test can be done in a few minutes. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see your PSA level. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. Sitting for a few minutes will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. The results will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your prostate. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/psa/tab/glance ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/PSA ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚