Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
A blood-based risk assessment that combines selected biomarker results to estimate the chance of having prostate cancer. It supplements, but does not replace, screening and clinical evaluation.
["This test estimates prostate cancer risk; it cannot diagnose cancer by itself."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105494-9
- Short code
- Chance prostate cancer
- Synonyms
- Chance prostate cancer
- Category
- tumor-marker
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A prostate cancer risk assessment uses the results of selected blood markers, often including PSA and related measures, to estimate the likelihood that prostate cancer is present. It may also incorporate factors such as age, family history, and previous biopsy findings.
Why might I need this test?
This assessment may be used after PSA screening to help determine whether additional evaluation, such as repeat testing, imaging, or a prostate biopsy, is appropriate. It may also be used to monitor certain patients over time.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is analyzed, and its biomarker results are entered into a validated risk-calculation method. The report provides an estimated risk category or score that your clinician interprets along with your medical history and other prostate evaluations.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for the blood draw itself, although the method may be affected by recent prostate procedures, infections, medications, or other conditions. Follow your clinician's instructions and tell the laboratory if a prostate biopsy or other prostate procedure was recent.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher estimated risk may indicate a greater need for further evaluation, while a lower risk may suggest that additional testing may not be immediately necessary. An abnormal result does not prove that prostate cancer is present, and some people with prostate cancer may have a lower estimated risk. Results should be interpreted by a clinician using the test's validated method and your overall health information.
Short name
Prostate cancer risk
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose prostate cancer?
Is fasting required before this test?
Can this assessment replace a PSA test or prostate biopsy?
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