Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein located in ductal epithelial cells of the prostate gland and can be detected in low concentrations in the sera of healthy men. PSA exists in two forms in the blood: free (not bound) and complexed (cPSA, bound to a protein). The most frequently used PSA test is the total PSA, which measures the sum of the free PSA and the cPSA in the blood. If prostate cancer is diagnosed, the total PSA test may be used as a monitoring tool to help determine the effectiveness of treatment. It may also be ordered at regular intervals after treatment to detect recurrence of the cancer. Several conditions besides cancer can cause the PSA level to RISE, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, recent catheterization or cystoscopy, and urinary tract infections. See Prostatic-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free, Serum; & Prostatic-Specific Antigen (PSA) Free/Total Ratio
Avoid prostatic examination prior to test. Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells ASAP
Copyright © biolab 2023, Developed by Tech Factory