Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC84394Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 010322CPT Code 84153

Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)

Also known as: PSA, Serum

Clinical Use

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Use

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by the epithelial cells lining the prostatic ducts and acini. Normally, it is secreted into the prostatic ducts and is present only in prostate tissue, prostatic fluid, and seminal plasma. PSA is produced by normal, hyperplastic, and cancerous prostatic tissue. PSA is used as a tumor marker for the early detection of prostate cancer and in other areas of prostate disease management.1 The Prostate-Specific Antigen Best Practice Statement: 2009 Update published by the American Urologic Association1 describes the use of PSA testing for:

Special Instructions

Values obtained with different assays should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor each patient's course of therapy. This procedure does not provide serial monitoring; it is intended for one-time use only. If serial monitoring is required, order using serial monitoring number 480145.

Limitations

PSA values can vary depending on the testing procedure and thus cannot be directly compared if different procedures are used; this can lead to erroneous interpretations. PSA levels cannot be used as absolute evidence of malignant disease presence or absence. Elevated levels can be caused by prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral or prostatic trauma, prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, ejaculation, or DRE. Certain drugs like finasteride and dutasteride can lower PSA levels. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) does not increase PSA levels.

Test Details