Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood examination used to determine the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. While small amounts of PSA are normally present in the bloodstream, elevated levels can suggest a range of prostate-related conditions. PSA testing plays a crucial role in early screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which is one of the most common cancers among men.

In addition to cancer diagnosis, PSA levels may rise due to prostatitis, an infection or inflammation of the prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that commonly affects older men. Because PSA levels can be influenced by age, medication, infections, and prostate enlargement, physicians interpret results in combination with symptoms, medical history, and additional diagnostic tools such as imaging or biopsy.

For men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, the PSA test is valuable for tracking the effectiveness of therapy. A decreasing PSA level generally indicates a positive response, while a rising PSA may signal disease progression or recurrence. The test is quick, minimally invasive, and critical for maintaining long-term prostate health through ongoing monitoring.

Measures PSA levels in blood to evaluate prostate health, detect cancer early, and monitor treatment progress.