What does Assay of psa total 84153-GA mean on a lab bill?

The test identified by the code 84153-GA on your lab bill is "Assay of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) total." PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. The total PSA test measures the total amount of PSA in the blood, including both free PSA and complexed PSA.

High levels of total PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate. The total PSA test is often used to screen for prostate cancer, but it is not a definitive test. Further testing, such as a biopsy, may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The "GA" at the end of the code 84153-GA stands for "Genetic analysis." This means that the lab used a genetic test to measure the total PSA level in your blood. Genetic testing is a type of medical test that analyzes a person's DNA or RNA to identify changes that may be associated with a disease or condition.