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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.