PSA Total (Reflex To Free)

Overview:

Prostate specific antigen is produced by the prostate and a small amount circulates in blood. Levels can be raised by prostate cancer, but also by benign enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation and cycling, so a raised result does not establish a cause on its own. With this test, if the total falls into a borderline range, the laboratory automatically adds free PSA, since the proportion circulating free tends to be lower where cancer is present. Whether to screen for prostate cancer is a decision that depends on age, family history and personal preference, and is best discussed with a clinician.

Categories:

Cancer Markers, Men’s Health

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker