Prostate-Specific Antigen Test

The prostate is a small gland in males which help produce fluid that make up part of semen. It is a common site to get enlargement of the gland or develop cancer. The cells of the prostate produce a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA) which is usually in such small amounts in a normal male. In the event of disease to the prostate gland, like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the level of PSA in the blood increases. This PSA lab test is a useful tool to perform on men who complain of genitourinary symptoms or if there is something suspicious during a digital rectal examination (DRE) in order to determine the need for prostate biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.

This prostate lab test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Screening for prostate cancer after age 50
• For those at high risk, such as American men of African descent
• Difficult, painful, and/or frequent urination
• Back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Difficulty ejaculating
• Suspicious mass on DRE

Also Known As: PSA lab test