Prostate Screening (PSA)
Who is getting tested? *
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase
Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ
Blood (venipuncture—a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)
The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in your blood which may be elevated due to prostate cancer. However, high levels of PSA do not always indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Other prostate conditions such as enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) can also increase PSA levels. PSA levels also increase with age. If PSA levels are elevated, it’s important to discuss your results with a healthcare provider.

The benefits of testing
You can get the information you need to support a healthy life - for yourself.

Take control of your health
Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments
Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

Get your reliable results online fast
View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.
There are several reasons why PSA levels may be higher than normal:
- Age: As men get older, their PSA levels tend to rise
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): In some men, the prostate grows bigger and produces more PSA than usual due to its larger size
- Medications: Some medications, such as finasteride and some cholesterol-lowering medications, can alter your PSA level. Be sure to tell your provider about any medications you are taking before your PSA test
- Prostate cancer: In a healthy prostate, PSA is secreted in small amounts into the bloodstream, but levels can increase as cancer develops
- Prostatitis: Prostatitis is a painful condition in which the prostate is inflamed, swollen, and tender. It is often caused by a bacterial infection, though sometimes the cause is unknown. In some cases, PSA level may increase because of irritation of the prostate
- Urinary tract infection: An infection in the urinary system can irritate the prostate and cause inflammation. This can cause the prostate to make more PSA
The American Cancer Society (ASC) encourages men to have a discussion with a healthcare provider about whether prostate cancer screening is appropriate for them.1 For those who choose to have prostate cancer screening, the ACS recommends the PSA blood test for individuals in the following risk categories:
- Men 50 years of age with an average risk of developing prostate cancer and no underlying health conditions that may reduce life expectancy
- Men 45 years of age with a high risk of developing prostate cancer, including African American men and those with an immediate family member who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65
- Men 40 years of age with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, such as individuals with multiple immediate family members with prostate cancer who were diagnosed at an early age
Prostate cancer screening is not recommended for men who do not meet these criteria. Speak with your primary care provider to better understand your own risk.
1. Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 25, 2022.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
2. American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection. April 23, 2021.
www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html