Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) with Free PSA Ratio and Total PSA Screening
This test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood, which can help assess prostate health and detect potential issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or early signs of prostate cancer.
["PSA helps guide discussions about prostate health, but results alone don’t diagnose cancer without additional evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42751-8
- Short code
- PS IgA B2GP1 dep MoM Ser
- Synonyms
- PS IgA B2GP1 dep MoM Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order a PSA test to monitor prostate health, especially if you have symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or pain. It’s also used during routine check-ups for men over 40 or those with a family history of prostate cancer. Some men may have it as part of a general health screening.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid ejaculation for 2–3 days before testing to get a more accurate PSA level. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while a blood sample is drawn.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare provider will take a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
PSA levels vary by age, health, and other factors. A higher-than-normal PSA can signal prostate issues, but it doesn’t always mean cancer. Your doctor will review your results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated PSA levels can indicate inflammation, infection, or cancer in the prostate. While PSA is a key screening tool, it’s not foolproof. False positives or negatives can occur, so follow-up testing or imaging may be needed. Discuss results with your doctor to understand their implications for your health.
Short name
PSA Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a PSA test measure?
Can I eat or drink before the PSA test?
How long does it take to get PSA test results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy