How to Read a PSA Score

The PSA score measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a person's blood. PSA is a substance that is produced by the prostate gland in men. An elevated level can indicate the presence of one of many conditions. It is important for men to check their levels once they reach a certain age. Reading and interpreting the score is simple and can be done in a number of steps.

Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your medical doctor or urologist. A urologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate conditions.

• 2

  Allow the doctor to draw some blood so that he or she can measure your PSA levels. You will then be scheduled for a follow-up appointment so you can discuss the test results.

• 3

  Look at your PSA value. Normal values are generally less than 4 ng/ml. However evidence-based medicine has shown that the PSA levels should be adjusted depending on a person's age. This is because the prostate naturally produces higher levels of PSA as a person gets older.

• 4

  Cross examine your PSA level to the age-adjusted level. The upper limits of normal PSA for men aged 40-49 is 2.5 ng/mL. The limit for men aged 50-59 is 3.5 ng/mL. The limit for ages 60-69 is 4.5 ng/mL. Finally the limit for men aged 70-79 is 6.5 ng/mL.

• 5

  Note down your age and look at the age adjusted level. If your PSA level is below the limit then there is a very low probability of the existence of any prostate abnormalities. In this case you may simply repeat the PSA level on an annual basis. If your PSA level is either above 4 ng/ml or greater than the age-adjusted level, then you will require further and more regular testing.

• 6

  Discuss with your doctor regarding a medical work-up if your PSA level is either greater than 4 ng/ml or if it exceeds the age-adjusted level. Some possible causes of an elevated level include an enlarged prostate, an inflamed prostate or even prostate cancer. In order to rule out any serious conditions your doctor may recommend an ultrasound test to visualize the prostate or the use of a needle to extract a sample of the gland for examination.