Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Popular

This Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test is a critical blood test used to measure the level of PSA, a protein produced exclusively by the prostate gland. The PSA test is a key component in the early detection of prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis.

PSA is a glycoprotein, and while it's primarily associated with prostate cancer, elevated PSA levels can also result from noncancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate (BPH) or inflammation of the prostate. The complexity of PSA levels necessitates a nuanced approach to interpretation; not all elevations indicate cancer, and not all cancers cause significant PSA increases.

In contrast, our Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free: Total Ratio Test goes a step further by distinguishing between free PSA and PSA that's bound to proteins in the blood. The ratio of free to total PSA can provide more nuanced insights. Men with prostate cancer tend to have lower proportions of free PSA, so this ratio can help differentiate between cancer and other conditions like BPH or prostatitis, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.

This total PSA test offers a general overview, valuable for initial screenings and monitoring changes over time. If your total PSA is in a borderline range (typically between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL), the PSA Free: Total Ratio Test might be recommended to further assess the risk of prostate cancer and guide the decision-making process regarding a biopsy or other diagnostic procedures.