Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

This blood test measures total levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is a glycoprotein produced by the epithelial cells lining the prostatic ducts and acini. Normally, it is secreted into the prostatic ducts and is present only in prostate tissue, prostatic fluid, and seminal plasma. PSA is produced by normal, hyperplastic, and cancerous prostatic tissue. Elevated serum PSA concentrations have been reported in men with prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and inflammatory conditions of the prostate.

PSA is used as a tumor marker for the early detection of prostate cancer and in other areas of prostate disease management.