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Prostate Screening (PSA)
Prostate Screening (PSA)
This PSA test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen in your blood, which may increase due to prostate cancer or non-cancerous prostate conditions. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Blood
Preparation:
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.
What
PSA is a protein produced in the prostate. Its major function is to liquify semen. This test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.
Who
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.
How
Blood
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
This PSA test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood, which may be elevated due to prostate cancer. Prostate screening tests that detect high levels of PSA can also indicate other conditions like enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). PSA levels in men increase with age. If your PSA levels are elevated, it’s important to discuss your test results with a healthcare provider.
Buy your own PSA test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase your prostate screening, visit a nearby Quest® location for sample collection, and get fast results.
How it works
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
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
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.
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.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.
Our references
1Who 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
2American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection. April 23, 2021.
www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
*Prostate Cancer.
*https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/