Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Diagnostic, Serum
Use
The PSA test is useful as an aid in the detection of prostate cancer when used alongside a digital rectal exam in men 50 years and older. It is also beneficial in the prognosis and management of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. PSA level increases are associated with various benign and malignant prostate conditions, and it remains a critical marker in assessing tumor recurrence and therapeutic response in prostate cancer patients.
Special Instructions
Include patient's age when submitting the specimen. Free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can only be added on within 72 hours of performing total PSA, and the specimen must have been shipped frozen.
Limitations
Serum PSA levels can vary due to method-specific factors and are not exclusive markers of prostate malignancy. Results cannot be flagged for high/low without patient age. Several procedures like prostate biopsy can temporarily increase PSA levels. Additionally, rare interferences such as human anti-mouse antibodies or streptavidin and ruthenium antibodies can affect results. The presence of biotin up to 1200 ng/mL does not interfere.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 83112-3
- 83112-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
For serum gel tubes, centrifuge within 2 hours of collection. For red top tubes, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |