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HelpTest ID PSA Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Diagnostic, Serum
Useful For
Evaluating patients with documented prostate problems in whom multiple prostate-specific antigen tests may be necessary per year
Monitoring patients with a history of prostate cancer as an early indicator of recurrence and response to treatment
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Reporting Name
Prostate-Specific Ag Diagnostic, SSpecimen Type
SerumCollection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Additional Information:
1. Free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can only be added on within 12 hours of performing total PSA. Specimen must have been shipped frozen.
2. Include patient's age.
3. 12 hours before this blood test do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin or vitamin B7, which are commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request Form (T729) with the specimen
(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/oncology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 180 days |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
Clinical Information
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein that is produced by the prostate gland, the lining of the urethra, and the bulbourethral gland. Normally, very little PSA is secreted in the blood. Increases in glandular size and tissue damage caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, or prostate cancer may increase circulating PSA levels.
In patients with previously diagnosed prostate cancer, PSA testing is advocated as an early indicator of tumor recurrence and as an indicator of response to therapy. The role of PSA in early detection of prostate cancer is controversial. The American Cancer Society recommends annual examination with digital rectal examination and serum PSA beginning at age 50, and also for those men with a life expectancy of at least 10 years after detection of prostate cancer. For men in high-risk groups, such as African Americans or men with a first-degree relative diagnosed at a younger age, testing should begin at a younger age. It is generally recommended that information be provided to patients about the benefits and limitations of testing and treatment so they can make informed decisions.
Reference Values
Males:
|
Age (Years) |
PSA Upper Limit (ng/mL) |
|
<40 |
≤2.0 |
|
40-49 |
≤2.5 |
|
50-59 |
≤3.5 |
|
60-69 |
≤4.5 |
|
70-79 |
≤6.5 |
|
≥80 |
≤7.2 |
Females: not applicable
Cautions
Twelve hours before this blood test do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin or vitamin B7, which are commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Serum markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method.
When age is not supplied, the results cannot be flagged as high or low.
Digital rectal examination generally does not increase normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. However, cystoscopy, urethral instrumentation, and prostate biopsy may increase PSA levels.
Some patients who have been exposed to animal antigens, either in the environment or as part of treatment or imaging procedure, may have circulating antianimal antibodies present. These antibodies may interfere with the assay reagents to produce unreliable results.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 5 a.m.-12 a.m., Saturday; 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84153