Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – PSA test

Description test for prostate specific antigen

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – protein, produced by the prostate gland. Prostate – Body size of a walnut in men, located near the bladder and rectum. It produces liquid, which is part of the sperm. Most PSA gets into sperm, but some of it goes into the bloodstream. If you have prostate problems, PSA levels in the blood may rise.

Causes of prostate specific antigen test

The PSA test is used to:

• Screening for prostate cancer;
• Monitoring the treatment of prostate cancer;
• Definitions of cancer recurrence in patients, which have already been treated for prostate cancer.

Elevated PSA levels may be associated with prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

How is the test for prostate specific antigen?

Preparation for the procedure

• Ejaculation can cause PSA levels to increase. Avoid sexual activity for 2-3 days prior to testing;
• Some procedures can elevate PSA levels. Plan PSA test several weeks after any of the following procedures:
  • Any prostate surgery;
  • Prostate biopsy;
  • Prostate massage;
• Wait several weeks after successful treatment of prostate infections;
• Some medications can lower PSA levels. Tell your doctor, if you are taking:
  • Finasteride (eg, Propecia, Proscar);
  • Dutasterid (eg, Avodart).

Description test for prostate specific antigen

The subject must roll up their sleeves. Around the arm will be wrapped rubber band. The area will be cleared on the hand swab, moistened with alcohol. In the vein of the hand is inserted into the syringe needle. A small amount of blood is drawn into the syringe. Then, the needle is removed, pressed against the puncture site. In place of the injection can be applied small bandage.

The blood will be sent to the laboratory for testing.

After that you can do daily chores.

How long does it take a blood sample for analysis on the prostate specific antigen?

Immediately blood sampling takes a few minutes.

Will it hurt?

Slight pain may be felt during insertion of the needle.

The results of the analysis of prostate specific antigen

Results, usually, will be available within a few days (up to a week). The doctor will inform you of the results.

If the PSA level is slightly elevated, but there are no other reasons to suspect prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend to closely monitor the level of PSA. If PSA is too high, significantly increased or doctor finds abnormalities as a result of digital rectal examination, perhaps, you need to pass other tests, such, prostate biopsy.

Contact your doctor after analysis of prostate specific antigen

After returning home, you need to see a doctor in the following cases:

• Bleeding from the site of injection needle;
• At the injection site had a large bruise or swelling;
• The results were not received within a few weeks.