How to Get a PSA Test

A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood screening test for prostate cancer in men. It checks for the PSA protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous cells, with an increased PSA level being likely produced by cancerous cells. These tests are generally given to men between the ages of 40 and 75, unless they are at an increased risk for prostate cancer. This can not only help to diagnose prostate cancer early, it can also determine your risk of the disease once other factors, such as age, ethnicity and diet, are considered.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your Prostate cancer risks with your health care provider. Your physician must order this test and provide a diagnosis code for your insurance to cover the cost of this exam. You may also choose to pay for the test yourself if there is no supporting diagnosis code or if you do not have health insurance.

• 2

  Take your physician's test orders to your local medical laboratory or your physician's office lab. The phlebotomist or nurse will take your test orders and do all the necessary paperwork for your PSA test.

• 3

  Allow the nurse or phlebotomist to draw blood. The PSA test can be done at the same time as other blood tests.

• 4

  Visit your physician for a follow-up visit to discuss your PSA test results.