In recent years, however, the PSA test has become controversial.
It may also be done to evaluate men who havesigns and symptoms of prostate cancerorrisk factorsfor the disease.
It is also done to screen for recurrence of the disease after treatment.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Similar Tests
There are a number of variations and ways to assess PSA today.
False positive results are usually of even greater concern.
The emotional risk that goes along with a false positive result can also not be understated.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
If you have not received your results, don’t assume they are normal.
Location
A PSA test can be done at most clinics.
The blood sample may be run at the clinic itself or sent out to a lab.
Food and Drink
There are no dietary restrictions needed prior to a PSA test.
Medicare covers PSA testing, as do many private health care insurers.
What to Bring
You will want to bring your insurance card to your blood draw.
Reference Ranges
PSA is recorded as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood.
The higher the level of PSA, the less likely that a result is a false positive.
If your result is abnormal, the first step is often to repeat the test.
Lab errors are not uncommon.
Pro-PSA is usually ordered after a PSA result between 4 and 10 is returned.
Note that, after a prostatecetomy, the goal is often to have a PSA of 0.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Ask a lot of questions.
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