Prostate Specific Antigen PSA Test
Tests Frequently booked Together
PSA Test in Nigeria/ Prostate Specific Antigen Test / Prostate Cancer Test in Nigeria
Preparation
You will provide
Blood Sample
This Test is For
Male
Test Preparation
No specific preparation required
What is PSA Test
The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to detect prostate cancer.
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by prostate gland. This gland is found below the bladder in males. PSA is commonly found in small quantities in blood, so a PSA test can detect if there are high levels of PSA.
High level of PSA may indicate prostate cancer. Other conditions can also lead to high levels PSA such as, enlarged prostate, inflammation in prostate.
Why do I need PSA Test
Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cause of cancer deaths. You have higher risk of prostate cancer if there is family history / hereditary, you are obese / overweight, or/and are of black ethnic origin.
Regular check-up and early detection is an important means in getting timely and proper treatment.
High PSA levels maybe a sign of Prostate Cancer. Sometimes, other non-cancerous conditions also can increase PSA level. The PSA test is only one of the ways to screen for early signs of prostate cancer. Depending on the conditions, the doctor may also recommend to go for a digital rectal exam.
Based on the result of these two tests, the doctor may finally recommend a prostate biopsy.
PSA test may also be used for the patient who have undergone prostate cancer treatment to check the effectiveness of treatment or reoccurrence of cancer.
What is a raised PSA level
PSA in blood is measured as nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL). There's no specific cutoff point between a normal and an abnormal PSA level but depending on age and the PSA test result, your doctor might recommend a prostate biopsy.
Usually if you are between 50-70 years, raised PSA is 3ng/ml or higher.
What are the benefits of doing PSA Test
PSA test can help detect early signs of cancer resulting in early diagnosis and treatment.
It reduce risk of death due to cancer
It assures that prostate cancer treatment is done effectively
It helps detect reoccurrence of cancer after treatment
What are the limitations of a PSA Test
PSA test cannot detect between fast growing and slow growing cancer
It is not full proof method of detecting cancer. Other tests like biopsy, are further needed to detect cancer.
Do I have to prepare before PSA test
There are some conditions in which PSA test will not be done like
If you have UTI – Urinary Tract Infection
If you have a prostate biopsy done in past 6-7 weeks
The doctor will also suggest you to avoid heavy exercise and ejaculation 48 hrs before PSA test.
These conditions can give inaccurate PSA reading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is normal PSA by Age
There is no specific range but these can be considered by doctor depending on certain factors
· 0-2.5: Normal for a man 40-50 yrs.
· 2.5-3.5: Normal for a man 50-60 yrs.
· 3.5-4.5: Normal for a man 60-70 yrs.
· 4.5-5.5: Normal for a man 70-80 yrs.
What causes high PSA
PSA level tends to increase with age and prostate gland size. Other conditions that can show increased PSA levels are -
inflammation or infection
recent prostate biopsy
ejaculation or vigorous exercise within 48 hrs before testing.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.
