Prostate Screening (PSA)

What

PSA is a protein produced in the prostate. Its major function is to liquify semen. The PSA Test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of samples to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture—a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

About the Test

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 prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and urinary system. The prostate’s main role is to produce seminal fluid that helps carry semen during ejaculation. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate by both cancerous and noncancerous cells. The PSA test measures the levels of PSA in the blood and is often used to screen for prostate cancer in men without symptoms.

PLEASE NOTE

The PSA screening by itself cannot tell you if you have prostate cancer, but it can tell your provider whether more testing is needed. PSA levels may also be high if you have a noncancerous condition like an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). This test can help identify these problems so you can make informed decisions about your health.

All men are at risk for developing a prostate problem. Symptoms of prostate problems include:

Frequent urge to urinate
Dribbling of urine
Getting up many times during the night to urinate
Blood in urine or semen
Pain or burning during urination
Painful ejaculation
Frequent pain in the lower back, pelvic, or rectal area
Pain caused by touching the prostate
Change in size, firmness, or texture of the prostate
Lumps or hard areas spreading beyond the prostate

If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to consider consulting a healthcare provider.

Our PSA Test is for anyone concerned they may be at risk for a prostate disorder. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.

You do not have to fast for this test. You should not ejaculate or exercise vigorously for 48 hours before sample collection since this might affect your test results.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

Over 2000+ locations focus on your safety, confidentiality and convenience.

Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

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We will email you when your confidential results are available.

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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.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.

FAQs

What can cause an elevated PSA?

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

Is it possible to have prostate cancer without any symptoms?

Men, especially those between 55 and 69 years old, who want to monitor their prostate health or are at risk for prostate conditions may consider a PSA Test. If you are over 40 years old and have certain risk factors, you may also consider this test after consulting with a healthcare provider to determine if you could benefit from the test.

Is prostate screening right for me?

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.

Our references

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

Prostate Screening (PSA)

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