Quick Guide: Prostate-specific antigen, total (PSA-T) Blood Test
What it is: A total PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by normal and cancerous prostate cells, in the blood.
Why it's ordered: Used to screen for prostate cancer, typically starting around age 50 (or earlier with elevated risk), and to evaluate symptoms suggestive of prostate problems or monitor prostate cancer treatment.
What it detects: PSA levels rise with prostate cancer, but also with benign conditions like an enlarged prostate (BPH) or prostatitis, so PSA is a marker of prostate activity generally rather than a cancer-specific marker.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm, often paired with a digital rectal exam. Ejaculation or vigorous exercise shortly before the test can temporarily raise PSA, so providers may advise avoiding these beforehand.
Results:
Elevated – may prompt additional testing (e.g., percent-free PSA, imaging, or biopsy) to assess prostate cancer risk; normal PSA rises somewhat with age
Normal – lower likelihood of significant prostate disease, though it doesn't fully rule out cancer
Possible complications: PSA screening can lead to overdiagnosis or false positives from non-cancerous causes, which is why it's generally used as one part of a broader diagnostic approach rather than as a standalone test.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
