Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Lab Values

Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Prostate Specific Antigen in clinical practice   Lab Test Name: Prostate Specific Antigen – PSA   Description: Measurement of PSA in the bloodstream Used to diagnose and assess prostate health, size and function.   Indications: Evaluate: Enlarged prostate when prostate cancer is suspected Stage cancer Effectiveness of treatments   Normal Therapeutic Values: Normal –  Male: < 4 ng/mL  Female: < 0.5 ng/mL Collection:  Serum Separator Tube   What would cause increased levels? Increased: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) Prostate cancer Prostatitis Urinary retention   What would cause decreased levels? Decreased: Long-term use of NSAIDs- explained in part by the anti-inflammatory effect of these medications Thiazides- reduces bioavailable testosterone, associated with resulting in functional hypogonadism Statins- cholesterol plays a role in synthesis of androgen, which affects the size of the prostate 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors- due to the effect on prostate size.