Prostate specific antigen (PSA) (TEST)

Department:

Biochemistry

Requirement:

Gel/clotted (yellow/red top)

Add-on requests are accepted up to 48 hours post sampling

Turnaround Time:

Within 24 hours

Background:

Tumour marker used for diagnosis, risk assessment and monitoring of prostate carcinoma

PSA may be elevated in urinary tract infection, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. Elevation in PSA may be caused by catheterisation/digital rectal examination - take samples prior to invasive procedures.

Reference ranges:

Age ranges		Reference range (ng/mL)
Males	< 50 years	≤ 2.5
	50-59 years	≤ 3.5
	60-69 years	≤ 4.5
	≥ 70 years	≤ 6.5

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Other Comments:

For more information, please see the following: PSA - Lab Tests Online

Content approved in Clinical Biochemists meeting 5 September 2018