Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)
Also known as: PSA, Serum
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
Not provided.
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.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
Prostate-Specific Antigen
Protein
LOINC Codes
- 2857-1 - PSA SerPl-mCnc
- 2857-1 - PSA SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.
Collection Instructions
If a red-top tube or plasma is used, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Plasma or whole blood specimen; hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
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