Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Volume Weighted High Sensitivity Calculation

Your doctor may order this blood test to check the overall health of your prostate gland, to screen for prostate cancer if you are at higher risk, to investigate urinary symptoms such as a weak stream or frequent urges, or to monitor how a prostate condition is responding to treatment.

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like urinary changes, pain during urination, or if you’re at higher risk for prostate issues. It’s also used during routine check-ups for men over 40 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Most people do not need special preparation, but your doctor may ask you to avoid vigorous exercise, bicycle riding, ejaculation, or a prostate exam for about 48 hours before the test, because these activities can temporarily raise your PSA level and affect the results.

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before testing to get a baseline PSA reading. Drink plenty of water the day of the test to help your urine flow easily.

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually at the inside of your elbow, and send it to a laboratory, where the amount of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, is measured and compared with typical reference ranges.

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The lab processes the sample to measure PSA levels using sensitive detection methods, which may include immunoassay techniques to ensure accuracy.

Results are usually reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). A level that is higher than expected does not automatically mean you have cancer; it can also point to an enlarged prostate or inflammation, so your doctor may recommend repeat testing, additional imaging, or a biopsy to learn more.

Results are reported as a total PSA value, which reflects the combined amount of PSA in your blood. While PSA levels can vary based on age, race, and health conditions, they’re not used alone to diagnose prostate cancer. Higher levels may prompt further testing.