PSA, Total
Also known as: Prostate Specific Antigen
Use
Prostate‑Specific Antigen (PSA), Total, is used primarily to screen for and monitor prostate conditions, including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It may be part of evaluating hypogonadism patients and monitoring response to testosterone therapy ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/hypogonadism-and-low-testosterone-in-men?utm_source=openai)).
Special Instructions
Do not collect specimen after transrectal biopsy as results may be falsely elevated. Refrigerated, frozen, or ambient transport is acceptable ([rchsd.org](https://www.rchsd.org/lab-test/psa-total-5363/?utm_source=openai)).
Limitations
Specimen collected post‑prostatic manipulation (e.g., transrectal biopsy) may yield falsely elevated PSA values ([rchsd.org](https://www.rchsd.org/lab-test/psa-total-5363/?utm_source=openai)).
Methodology
Immunoassay (Other)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1‑2 mL blood (yielding ~1 mL serum)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL serum
Container
Red top (no additive) tube
Collection Instructions
Do not collect specimen after a transrectal biopsy, results may be falsely elevated.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 Days |
| Refrigerated | 14 Days |
| Frozen | 28 Days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant