AsseyMethod: Chemiluminescence
Abbrevation: Free PSA
Sector: Hormone 1
SampleType: S
S.Vol: -
Transport: at 2-8˚c, -20˚c
Storage: 1 week at 2-8˚c for longer time at -20˚
Test Name: Free Prostatic Specific Antigen
Normal Range: up to 1 20-25% of Total PSA
To help detect and to monitor prostate cancer
If you have symptoms of prostate disease, such as difficulty in passing urine, straining or taking long time while urinating, hesitancy, weak flow, terminal dribbling or passing urine more frequently than usual especially during the night.
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm at any time of the day
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before sample collection as this has been associated with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels; the sample should also be collected prior to your healthcare professional performing a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prior to or 6 weeks after a prostate biopsy. PSA may remain high for many months following a urinary tract infection, and for 48 hours following vigorous exercise, especially riding a bicycle).
Blood is being tested for the amount of PSA it contains. PSA is a protein produced mainly by cells in the prostate gland and can be a useful indicator of prostate cancer. This protein can be found in all males; however, men whose levels are increased may have an infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis), prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. In blood, PSA is present both as free PSA and as complexed PSA bound to other blood proteins. The free PSA test measures the percentage of the total PSA that is not bound to proteins in the patient’s blood.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm. You are likely to be advised to avoid ejaculation and vigorous physical activity affecting the prostate, such as bicycle riding, during the two days before the blood test. A blood sample should not be taken until at least a week after a digital rectal examination.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before sample collection as it has been associated with elevated PSA levels; the sample should also be collected prior to your healthcare professional performing a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prior to or 6 weeks after a prostate biopsy, as both of these can also elevate PSA levels. Men should not have exercised vigorously in the previous 48 hours and also should not have an active urinary infection at the time of blood collection.