Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screen, Serum
Use
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screen is vital as a screening aid in the detection of prostate cancer, especially when used alongside a digital rectal exam in men aged 50 and older. It is also useful in screening for aiding prognosis and managing individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. Increases in circulating PSA levels may signal prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or prostatitis. The test is also advocated for monitoring patients with previously diagnosed prostate cancer for early indicators of tumor recurrence and response to therapy.
Special Instructions
Free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can be added to a previously-submitted PSA screen specimen within 72 hours of performing the total PSA, provided the specimen was shipped frozen. If both free and total PSA results are needed, order PSAFT / Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Total and Free, Serum. Patient's age should be included when ordering. Use the Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5mL (T914) for specimen submission.
Limitations
The PSA test values are not specific for malignancy, as serum markers can be influenced by many factors, including method variations and the presence of certain antibodies such as human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Results may not be flagged as high or low if age is not provided. Procedures like cystoscopy, urethral instrumentation, and prostate biopsy can increase PSA levels, which should be interpreted with caution. Interference from biotin and other antibodies can occur, affecting immunoassays.
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
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
1. Red-top tube must be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection. 2. Serum gel tube must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |