What PSA level is concerning?

A PSA above 4.0 ng/mL is generally considered elevated and may require further evaluation. However, the value should be interpreted based on age, prostate size, and other clinical factors.

Does an elevated PSA always mean cancer?

No. An elevated PSA can be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, urinary tract infection, or even recent physical activity. Only 25% of men with elevated PSA have prostate cancer on biopsy.

At what age should I start getting PSA tests?

It is recommended to discuss with your doctor starting at age 50 for average-risk men, or at age 40 to 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

Tumor Markers

Prostate Tumor Markers (PSA)

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate that is measured in blood for early detection of prostate cancer. It can also be elevated in benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. It is an important screening tool for men over 50.

Preparation

Fasting is not required. Avoid ejaculation, vigorous bicycle exercise, and digital rectal examination 48 hours before the test, as they can temporarily elevate PSA.

Included Tests

LOINC	Test	Unit	Range
2857-1	Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)	ng/mL	0 – 4

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Automatically extract Prostate Tumor Markers (PSA) results from PDF or image lab reports with LOINC coding and FHIR R4 output.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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