Prostatic-Specific Antigen (PSA), Total, Serum/Plasma

PSA is a serine protease, also known as human kallikrein 3 (hK3). Its physiological function is to dissolve the gel formed after ejaculation and thereby permit sperm movement in the female genital tract. The majority of PSA produced by the prostate is excreted in semen but a small proportion “leaks” into the systemic circulation. Prostate cancer tissue releases 30 times more PSA into the circulation than normal prostate tissue. Other diseases of the prostate such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic inflammation also cause increased PSA release into the circulation.

PSA is used as an aid in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). This test should not be used alone in the diagnosis of PC due to several factors; PSA is elevated in other benign conditions, which reduces its specificity to PC to around 40% and the observation that around 45% of patients with organ-confined cancer have a PSA level of < 4.0 ng/ml. See Also Prostatic-Specific Antigen (PSA) Free , and Total/Free PSA ratio

1 ml Serum 1 ml Li-Heparin or K2/K3-EDTA Plasma Stability: 5 Days at 2-8 °C 6 Months at -20 °C

Avoid prostatic examination prior to test. Freeze only once.

Male: 40-49 Years Up to 2.0 ng/mL 50-59 Years Up to 3.1 ng/mL 60-69 Years Up to 4.1 ng/mL < 40Years Up to 1.4 ng/mL ˃ 70 Years Up to 4.4 ng/mL