PSA Test

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A protein known as prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is produced by both benign and cancerous prostate gland cells. The PSA test determines the blood level of PSA. A blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis for this test. Typically, the results are expressed as ng/mL (nanograms of PSA per milliliter) of blood.

The PSA test was first approved by the FDA in 1986 to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who had already been diagnosed with the disease. People with prostate cancer frequently have an elevated PSA level in their blood. The PSA test was approved by the FDA in 1994 to be used with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to help men over 50 detect prostate cancer. Until about 2008, many medical professionals and professional organizations recommended starting a PSA screening every year at age 50 for prostate cancer.

In order to assist in determining the nature of the issue, health care providers frequently use PSA testing in conjunction with a DRE in patients who report experiencing prostate symptoms.

Why is the PSA Test done?

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is used for the following:

  • Men should be tested for prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy may be performed if your doctor is concerned about signs of prostate cancer because other common medical conditions, such as Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), can raise PSA levels.

  • Check in the event that malignant growth might be available when results from different tests, like a computerized rectal test, are not ordinary. Although it is not a cancer diagnosis, the PSA test can be used in conjunction with other tests to determine whether cancer is present.

  • During active surveillance or other treatment, keep an eye on prostate cancer. The cancer may be growing or spreading if PSA levels rise. A man who has had his prostate gland removed usually does not have PSA. A public service announcement level that ascents after prostate evacuation might mean the malignant growth has returned or has spread.

How to prepare for the PSA Test?

Tell your doctor if you have had a bladder cystoscopy in the past few weeks before you have a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

  • In the past few weeks, a prostate needle biopsy of prostate surgery.

  • During the past few weeks, a digital rectal examination was performed.

  •  A persistent infection of the prostate (prostatitis) or an infection of the urinary tract (UTI)

  •  A catheter or tube that was recently inserted into your bladder to drain urine

  • Try not to ejaculate for 24 hours before your public service announcement blood test, either during sex or masturbation. If you have any questions about the necessity of the test, its risks, the procedure, or the significance of the results, you should talk to your doctor.


Dr. Amit Ghosh is one of the best urologist and robotics uro-surgeon in Kolkata. After his return from the UK, he has been associated with various institutions including Wockhardt Hospital and Kidney Institute, Woodlands Hospital, Kothari Medical Center and Anandalok Hospital. Currently he is dedicated to his service to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata. Currently he has developed a very well established and robust Urological presence in the campus of Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata. The practice takes care of all fundamental general Urological procedures, a vast multi-disciplinary Uro Oncology specialty, and also a comprehensive diagnostic and uro health check-up facility.



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