Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Quantification
This test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood using advanced technology to detect it with high precision.
["PSA levels can help assess prostate health, especially in screening or monitoring for prostate cancer."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19163-5
- Short code
- CA199-PL
- Synonyms
- Cancer Ag19-9 Plr-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap container (pleural fluid collection tube); no anticoagulant typically required unless additional testing is planned
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 19
- Ref high
- 9
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent or Electrochemiluminescent)
- CPT
- 86316
- SNOMED
- 104734008
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of pleural fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of prostate issues, such as urinary problems, or if you’re at higher risk for prostate cancer. It could also be used to monitor treatment progress or check for recurrence after treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid ejaculation for 2–3 days before the test if it’s part of a screening or monitoring plan. Drink plenty of water the day of your visit to help with blood collection.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using specialized equipment to measure PSA levels accurately.
What the Results Mean
PSA levels alone don’t diagnose prostate cancer, but they can help guide further testing. Higher levels may raise concerns, especially if combined with other factors like age, symptoms, or digital rectal exam results. Your provider will discuss results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Pleural fluid CA 19-9 is not normally present in significant concentrations. Reference values are not well established; results should be interpreted in conjunction with serum CA 19-9 levels, pleural fluid cytology, and clinical findings. Generally, values above the serum upper reference limit may suggest malignancy.N/A
No special patient preparation required prior to thoracentesis. Fasting is not required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
PSA LC-MS/MS
Frequently asked questions
What could cause elevated PSA levels?
How often should PSA testing be done?
Can diet or medications affect PSA levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy