How does a PSA test work?
The PSA test is a blood test that can be performed at home. A small blood sample is collected via a finger-prick and then sent to our laboratory for analysis. Homed-IQ’s health tests come with everything you need to successfully take a blood sample at home. Simply activate your test and follow the provided instructions to successfully collect the sample and then send it to our certified laboratory using the prepaid shipping label. The results will be available within a few days.
Who should use this test?
Men between the ages of 50 and 74 with an average risk of prostate cancer may consider doing a PSA test. If prostate cancer runs in your family or you are considered to be at high risk, you may consider testing before age 50. Before performing this test it is important to understand the risks and benefits. Please read “Risks and Benefits of Testing” before making the decision to perform this test. If you are unsure whether PSA testing would be appropriate for you, please contact your GP.
What do the test results mean?
This test measures the PSA level in your blood. The results of this test cannot specifically tell you if you have prostate cancer.
There is no specific normal or abnormal PSA level in the blood.
- Generally, a PSA level of less than 4.0 ng/mL is considered normal. For dry blood spot testing methods, a normal PSA level is less than 4.4 ng/mL.
- A PSA level between 4.4 and 10.0 ng/mL is considered to be the “borderline range” in which the risk of prostate cancer is higher.
- A PSA level higher than 10.0 ng/mL indicates a greater than 50% chance of prostate cancer.
Please note While a PSA test can be used to help detect prostate cancer, it is not perfect. Some cases of prostate cancer do not cause high PSA. It is also possible to have high PSA and not have prostate cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with prostate cancer, always contact your GP for further examination regardless of PSA level.
Factors such as age, prostate enlargement/inflammation, cycling, and recent ejaculation can also increase PSA levels. Furthermore, certain drugs can lower PSA levels. Recent research has suggested the following lower PSA limits for each age group
40 – 49 years 2.50 µg/l
50 – 59 years 3.50 µg/l
60 – 69 years 4.50 µg/l
70 – 79 years 6.50 µg/l
In combination with your PSA test result, ask your GP about the possibility of a prostate exam to confirm there are no abnormalities.
What should I do if my test result shows elevated PSA?
If your blood PSA is higher than normal, it doesn’t always mean you have prostate cancer. Many men with elevated PSA do not have cancer. Please take your test result to your doctor for further investigation. Further testing may include
- Waiting a while and taking a second PSA test to see if levels have changed
- Getting another type of PSA test (such as free PSA) to check if a prostate biopsy is needed
- Physical prostate exam
- Prostate biopsy
PSA
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland in males. The main function of PSA is to liquefy the semen that carries sperm during ejaculation. A small amount of PSA is normally present in the blood of men, but elevated levels can be an indicator of various prostate-related conditions. The most well-known use of PSA is as a screening test for prostate cancer. However, it’s important to note that elevated PSA levels do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. Other non-cancerous conditions, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate), can also cause increased PSA levels.
