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Normal Serum PSA Levels

The prostate gland is a male organ that is below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. A serum PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA is a protein found in the prostate cells. This test is primarily ordered to screen for prostate cancer, but is also ordered to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diagnose prostatitis, monitor changes in prostate cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment and check for recurring prostate cancer.

  1. Test

    • A blood sample for a PSA test is sent to a lab for processing. Fasting before a PSA test is unnecessary. Side effects of a blood draw are generally mild and include slight to moderate pain and a throbbing sensation.

    Normal Level

    • According to the 9th edition of Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, a normal serum PSA test is less than four nanograms per milliliter or four micrograms per liter. If you are less than 50 years of age, your physician may consider a PSA level greater than two nanograms per milliliter too high and may suggest additional testing. Certain laboratories may have slightly a different definition of a normal PSA test, and your physician will determine if your PSA test is abnormal.

    Considerations

    • PSA levels may be elevated after a rectal examination, after a prostate biopsy, after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or if ejaculation occurs within 24 hours of the blood draw. PSA levels can be elevated up to five times the normal for up to six weeks after a urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostatitis. Certain medications such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) can decrease PSA levels.

    Abnormal Levels

    • Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostatitis. Symptoms that can indicate a prostate disorder include pain or a burning sensation with urination, painful ejaculation, low back pain, inability to urinate or an increased frequency of urination. Diagnosis of prostate disorders involves a physical examination, presence of symptoms, imaging tests and possibly a biopsy of the prostate tissue. Not all tests are indicated for every person.

    Screening

    • The American Urological Association recommends a baseline PSA test and prostate examination for men 40 and over. Further routine testing will depend on several factors, including the results of the baseline, age, life expectancy and prostate cancer risk factors. According to the American Urological Association, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Early detection of prostate cancer can improve your outcome.

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