A PSA blood test is a medical procedure used to measure the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.
What Does a PSA Blood Test Involve?
The process of getting a PSA blood test is relatively simple:
- Blood Sample Collection: A doctor or nurse will take a blood sample, often from your arm.
- Laboratory Analysis: This sample is then sent to a laboratory where the amount of PSA in the blood is analyzed.
Why is a PSA Test Done?
- Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: The primary reason for a PSA test is to help diagnose prostate cancer. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, though it can also be caused by other conditions.
PSA Test Details
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Test Type | Blood test |
| Analyte | Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) |
| Collection Site | Typically your doctor's office or GP practice |
| Analysis Location | Medical laboratory |
| Primary Use | To aid in the diagnosis of prostate cancer |
Understanding PSA Levels
It's important to note that an elevated PSA level doesn't always mean you have prostate cancer. Factors such as age, inflammation or an enlarged prostate can affect your PSA level. Your doctor will consider your full medical history and other findings to understand what your PSA results mean for you.
