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FAQs
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Biosafe Prostate PSA4 test - FAQs
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Is your PSA test the Hybritech PSA?
How often should I have a PSA test?
Should men who have had their prostate gland removed take a PSA test?
Does Biosafe PSA4 produce a "total PSA" or a "free PSA"?
What is the difference between a total PSA test and a free PSA test?
I notice that the PSA test results are given in ng/mL. What does ng/mL mean?
Do PSA levels vary with age?
What conditions cause PSA levels to be elevated?
What is the difference between the PSA level of 3.0 ng/ml that I got from Biosafe's laboratory analysis and the 4.0 ng/ml result that I got in my doctor's office? Are they equal?
What medications have an effect on PSA levels?
Is your PSA test the Hybritech PSA?
Yes, Biosafe has applied the Beckman-Hyritect Tandem-MP PSA technology to the determination of PSA values from dry blood spot (DBS) samples. The blood samples are analyzed using Tanddem PSA, recognized as the most accurate measure of total PSA available.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
How often should I have a PSA test?
The American Cancer Society recommends that every adult male, beginning at age 50, should begin annual prostate examination. Both a PSA test and a digital rectal examination should be offered to men who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years, and to younger men who are at high risk (such as, African-American men and men with two or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer).
(Source Biosafe 2004)
Should men who have had their prostate gland removed take a PSA test?
NO, a PSA Test should not be taken by men who have had their prostate gland removed!
(Source Biosafe 2004)
Does Biosafe PSA4 produce a "total PSA" or a "free PSA"?
Biosafe PSA4 measures total PSA.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
What is the difference between a total PSA test and a free PSA test?
The standard PSA blood tests, which are now in widespread use, typically measure all of the PSA in a man's blood. This is known as the "total PSA." A "free PSA" test measures the unbound, uncomplexed PSA and is a totally different test.
Free PSA is an addtional tool to help decide which men need more aggressive evaluation to check for prostate cancer. In men showing a high standard total PSA (over 10) or with a suspicious DRE, there is no need for obtaining an addtional free PSA test. A biopsy would be indicated to rule out cancer.
However, a free PSA can be a secondary test in men with a slight elevation of the total PSA level who would otherwise have no suspicion of prostate cancer on their physical examination. It may also be used if the man has an enlarged prostate (BPH), because that condition might also cause a slight elevation in the PSA level.
Another proposed use of the free PSA test is to determine which men with a "high normal" standard total PSA should undergo a prostate biopsy.
Initial screening is typically done with total PSA first. Free PSA tests cost more than the standard PSA tests.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
I notice that the PSA test results are given in ng/mL. What does ng/mL mean?
"ng/mL" stands for nanograms per mililiter, and it is the standard unit of clinical measurement used to determine how much prostate specific antigen (PSA) is in the blood.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
Do PSA levels vary with age?
Age may play a part in the interpretation of PSA values. Older men, (usually older than 60), may have higher PSA levels due to the normal aging process, which causes enlargement of the prostate.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
What conditions cause PSA levels to be elevated?
PSA values can be elevated in both prostate cancer and non-cancerous (benign) conditions. Benign conditions include benign prostatic hypertrophy, also known as BPH (an enlarged prostate), and prostatitis (an infection of the prostate).
Other conditions include, but are not limited to:
AgeDifficult bowel movementsDigital Rectal ExamsSexual intercourse within 48 hours of testingExcessive exerciseAny other pressure or trauma to the prostate
Prostate manipulation by biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) may also elevate PSA levels. PSA tests should be done before the surgery or 6 weeks afterwards.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
What is the difference between the PSA level of 3.0 ng/ml that I got from Biosafe's laboratory analysis and the 4.0 ng/ml result that I got in my doctor's office? Are they equal?
A result of 0 - 4 ng/ml is generally considered normal. By traditional serum methods, a value greater than 4.0 ng/ml is considered elevated. We consider 3.0 ng/ml to be the high end of normal to encourage those with a level of 3.0 ng/ml or greater to get a follow-up with their physician. As a consistent rule, we always recommend that every man who takes the PSA test have a follow-up with his physician, since the PSA test is only one of several steps to overall prostate health.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
What medications have an effect on PSA levels?
Finasteride (which is the medication Proscar) in 5mg form, or Propecia in 1mg form, are known to decrease total PSA levels by nearly 50%. The makers of Finasteride state that consideration should be given by the physician to doubling the PSA level for an accurate evaluation. Free PSA levels do not change significantly.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
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