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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

The PSA Total biomarker measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, which is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is commonly used to screen for prostate cancer and monitor treatment response.

Quick summary

PSA Total measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood to screen for prostate cancer.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
ng/mL
Clinical utility
screening
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche PSA, Abbott PSA, Siemens PSA, Beckman PSA
interpretation: {"text":"Normal range. Indicates a low likelihood of prostate cancer, but clinical context is important.","label":"0–4 ng/mL"}; {"text":"Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis. Further evaluation is recommended.","label":">4 ng/mL"}

PSA Total is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the bloodstream. PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and elevated levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis.

The normal reference range for PSA Total is typically between 0–4 ng/mL. Levels above this range may warrant further investigation, such as a digital rectal exam or a prostate biopsy, to rule out cancer or other prostate conditions.

It is important to note that PSA levels can also be affected by factors such as age, race, and non-cancerous prostate conditions. Therefore, PSA testing is often used in conjunction with other clinical assessments to provide a comprehensive evaluation of prostate health.

Frequently asked questions

What factors can affect PSA levels?
Age, race, prostate size, and non-cancerous conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect PSA levels.
How often should I get a PSA test?
The frequency of PSA testing depends on individual risk factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
  1. 1
    American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer Early DetectionSource
  2. 2
    National Cancer Institute: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) TestSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy