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Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) Test

Dr. Sreelekha DaruvuriLast Updated on 9th February 2022

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test is a blood test that detects the levels of blood PSA in males. The PSA is secreted by the prostate epithelial cells present in the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is located below the bladder and secretes fluid with enzymes which are a part of the semen. The amount of PSA, above the normal physiological range, could indicate an underlying disease in men. The PSA test was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986 to monitor the prognosis of prostate cancer. The PSA levels can also increase due to non-cancerous reasons, such as inflammation and enlargement of the prostate gland.

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What is Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test used for?

The PSA test is used to screen for prostate issues. The test can detect whether you have prostate cancer or other concerns, such as prostatitis (prostate inflammation) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement). Your doctor may prescribe the PSA test based on your recorded symptoms like:

Frequent urge to urinate after every few hours especially in the night
Difficulty starting urination
Dribbling at the end of urination
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Weak urine flow
Blood in urine or semen

Based on your test results, the doctor will decide on a specific course of treatment or prescribe additional tests.

What is included in the Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test?

The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood or semen. Since the test results are sometimes unreliable, the doctor may prescribe alternative tests and the PSA blood test to confirm the diagnosis. The tests include Percent-free PSA, PSA velocity, and Urine PCA3 test. They detect the amount of free PSA, changes in the PSA levels. Based on your blood test and the alternative results, the doctor will decide whether to perform a biopsy or not.

Procedure for Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) Test

An experienced lab technician from MFine will arrive at your doorstep to collect your blood sample at a chosen time.
The lab technician will inject a needle into the vein of the upper arm to draw the blood sample. You may experience temporary pain or bruise at the area of needle injection.
The samples will be brought to the laboratory for further testing and analysis.
The laboratory expert will analyse the report before confirming the results.

Once the test report is ready, it will be available for viewing and downloading on the MFine app within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Book a Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test to check your Total PSA level!

How to prepare for Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test?

There are no specific precautions to be followed concerning food or beverages. However, if you are under any medication for underlying conditions, it is best to inform the doctor beforehand. If your doctor instructs you to take/stop any medication, kindly follow the instructions carefully. You will be instructed to abstain from sexual activities, heavy workouts, atleast 48 hrs before taking the test. Fasting does not affect the PSA levels and is not recommended for the test.

Things to consider after the Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test is complete

Once your PSA test is complete, consult the doctor with the blood test reports. Please do not self-diagnose your test reports, as it may trigger confusion and panic.
If your PSA levels are elevated in the blood, it may indicate problems related to the prostate gland.
To confirm the condition’s diagnosis and prognosis, your doctor may prescribe additional tests like ultrasound, cystoscopy (endoscopy of the urinary bladder), or biopsy before starting the treatment plans.
If you had stopped any medicines before the PSA test, consult your doctor before continuing them.

What types of infection can Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test detect?

PSA test identifies the metastatic stages of prostate cancer in men. Apart from the cancers, it can also detect non-cancerous disorders like acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, enlarged prostate due to hormonal changes or age related, and other urological infections. PSA helps rule out the possibility of cancer in non-cancerous patients. The doctor can, thus, focus on the treatment plan for the specific cause of prostate problems.

How much does the Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test cost?

To undergo a PSA test, you can book an appointment with the MFine app at an accredited lab of your choice. At an approved laboratory, the PSA test roughly costs from Rs. 450/- to Rs. 850/-. If you are prescribed to undergo a trans-rectal ultrasound, cystoscopy, biopsy, or other additional tests, the cost will be extra.

Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test?

You can expect to get the prostate-specific antigen (total) test results within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in some instances, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test results indicate?

There is no fixed reference range for the blood PSA level since it varies in every man based on age, overall health, medications, and hereditary conditions. But, the doctors diagnose the condition based on the following measure:

The PSA levels below 4ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) of blood are considered normal test reports.
Men with PSA levels between 4ng/mL to 10ng/mL may be at risk of suffering from early stages of prostate cancer, and the test report is considered abnormal.
If the PSA levels are above 10ng/mL, there is a higher chance of suffering from prostate cancer.

Disclaimer: The PSA levels also increase during non-cancerous prostate problems. Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports and discuss the appropriate treatment plan.

Is Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) a definitive test?

The PSA test detects the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood and its relation to cancer. However, it does not provide specific details about the type and stages of cancer. Therefore, PSA is not a definitive test. Based on the elevated PSA levels, the doctor may prescribe a biopsy to confirm the cause of inflammation, abnormal cell mass, or cancer prognosis. Abnormal levels of PSA can also be due to urinary infections and sexual activities instead of cancer alone.

How to read the Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test report?

Normal or Negative test results

A healthy adult male usually shows 0 to 4ng/mL of PSA in the blood sample.Values falling in this range mean the person is likely to have a normal prostate.. The prostate most likely shows no lesions, swelling, or inflammation.

Abnormal or Positive test results

The abnormal result could indicate an underlying condition impacting the prostate gland. The PSA value of higher than 4ng/mL could indicate prostate infections, inflammation and/or enlargement, urinary tract infections, and rectal problems. Men who have undergone digital rectal examination, renal angioplasty, or biopsy can also show higher levels of PSA. The prostate may be swollen or display abnormal tissue growth within, indicating a positive PSA result.

If your results are positive, consult with top doctors from India’s trustworthy hospitals via chat, audio, or video calls on the MFine app. After the online consultation, you can easily follow up with the respective doctor in person within the next five days. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication.

Book a Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test to check your percent-free PSA level!

Why book Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test?

To identify the risk of prostate cancer in men who have a genetic history.
To monitor the elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the body.
To diagnose prostate-related disorders based on the levels of blood PSA.
To diagnose prostate tumors (if any).
To monitor the effect of a specific treatment on prostate cancer cells.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test at home – how does it work?

The prostate-specific antigen (total) test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a sterile vial or test tube. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick. The sample is taken to the laboratory for examination.

Are there any risks involved with Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test?

Like any other medical test, the PSA test comes with certain disadvantages. The test can be inaccurate when the patient does not follow the specific medical instructions advised by the doctor. There are no apparent health risks involved in the PSA blood test. The patient may feel a slight sting and experience bruising after taking the blood sample from the arm. The test result can be tested false negative or false positive, leading to unnecessary expenses and additional screening procedures like scans and biopsies.

What can affect the results for Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test?

Before you take the test, talk to your doctor about the necessary precautions required to be taken and clear the doubts (if any). The doctor will recommend you avoid certain practices before the PSA test.

Do not engage in sexual activities or masturbation at least two days before the test. Ejaculation increases the PSA levels.
Do not take the test if you have any urinary tract/Prostate infections. They can cause false-positive results.
Do not indulge in vigorous exercises as they can elevate the PSA level in the blood.
Do not take the test if you have recently undergone a rectal exam, prostate biopsy, or cystoscopy. These procedures can stimulate PSA production into the blood and alter the actual test results.
If you are taking medications such as statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and/or thiazide diuretics, please inform your doctor before taking the test. The medications may lower your PSA level and may result in a false-negative blood report, leading to misdiagnosis.

Book a Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total) test to check your PSA velocity level!

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Are the lab technicians fully vaccinated against COVID?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing a mask and gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my prostate-specific antigen (total) test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on prostate-specific antigen (total) tests?

Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on prostate-specific antigen (total) tests through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

Who should get the prostate-specific antigen (total) test done?

The PSA test can be done in males above the age of 14. If a patient of 35+ years old encounters problems while urinating, ejaculating, or moving your lower body, it is best to consult the doctor immediately. Prostate issues are usually encountered in middle-aged men.

What is the main function of the prostate gland?

The prostate gland in men produces seminal fluid. The fluid nourishes and helps in the movement of the sperm during ejaculation. The seminal fluid also contains numerous enzymes and nutrients that help sperm cell functions and fertility. Unhealthy prostate can cause bladder obstruction, urinary and fertility issues.

Can prostate problems be cured?

Yes, most minor prostate problems like infection and inflammation can be cured with antibiotics. However, if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the doctor may recommend surgical removal of the tumor or chemotherapy. The cancer treatment also depends on the cancer type and stage of progression.

Are prostate issues genetic?

Prostate cancers often run in families, and men are at a greater risk of suffering from cancers. Hereditary cancers tend to show symptoms at earlier ages than non-inherited cancers. If a person does not have any family history of cancer, he can still develop it at later stages in life due to hormonal and other causes.

Is fasting required for a prostate-specific antigen (total) test?

No, fasting is not required for the PSA blood test. If the PSA tests are conducted in combination with other diagnostic tests, you may be suggested to fast for a few hours before giving the blood sample. Confirm with your doctor before taking the test.

What is good to eat for a healthy prostate?

You can choose options like green vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts), mushrooms, tomatoes, watermelons, berries, green tea, and water for hydration. Avoid processed foods that contain lots of fats, spices, and salts. Doctors also recommend quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.