A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a blood test that helps healthcare providers diagnose and manage prostate cancer. If you have elevated PSA levels, you may need additional testing.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA in your body. PSA is a protein that your prostate gland makes. Normal and cancerous prostate tissue make PSA. However, prostate cancer tends to produce it in higher amounts. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer.
Healthcare providers recommend PSA tests for men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) to screen for prostate cancer. Catching prostate cancer early with a PSA test increases your chances of effective treatment.
A healthcare provider will usually conduct a digital rectal exam (DRE) along with a PSA test.
A PSA test tells you if you have elevated PSA levels.
A normal PSA depends on your age. Your PSA levels slowly increase as you age, even if you don’t have prostate cancer or any other prostate conditions. Abnormal PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer.
Healthcare providers measure PSA in your blood in nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/ml).
Age | Normal Level (ng/ml) | Abnormal Level (ng/ml) |
---|---|---|
40 to 50 | 0 to 2.5 | Higher than 2.5 |
50 to 60 | 2.5 to 3.5 | Higher than 3.5 |
60 to 70 | 3.5 to 4.5 | Higher than 4.5 |
70 to 80 | 4.5 to 5.5 | Higher than 5.5 |
Age | ||
40 to 50 | ||
Normal Level (ng/ml) | ||
0 to 2.5 | ||
Abnormal Level (ng/ml) | ||
Higher than 2.5 | ||
50 to 60 | ||
Normal Level (ng/ml) | ||
2.5 to 3.5 | ||
Abnormal Level (ng/ml) | ||
Higher than 3.5 | ||
60 to 70 | ||
Normal Level (ng/ml) | ||
3.5 to 4.5 | ||
Abnormal Level (ng/ml) | ||
Higher than 4.5 | ||
70 to 80 | ||
Normal Level (ng/ml) | ||
4.5 to 5.5 | ||
Abnormal Level (ng/ml) | ||
Higher than 5.5 |
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There’s no guaranteed way to lower PSA. However, some research suggests that changes to your lifestyle and diet may help lower your PSA levels. These tips include:
High PSA levels don’t cause symptoms, but they may indicate prostate cancer. Prostate cancer often doesn’t have symptoms (asymptomatic), but symptoms can include:
Healthcare providers recommend getting a PSA test if you’re at risk of prostate cancer. Guidelines for PSA screening exist for the following age groups:
If you have prostate cancer, a provider may also recommend a PSA test to assess the effectiveness of your treatment or to make sure prostate cancer hasn’t come back.
PSA tests are very common.
If your PSA tests are within normal levels, you may only need a new test every two years.
If your PSA tests are at abnormal levels, a provider may recommend close observation with PSA tests and other screenings every six to 12 months.
Before a PSA test, tell your healthcare provider if:
These medications or procedures can affect your PSA levels, which prevent your provider from getting an accurate reading. Your provider will also give you directions a few days before your PSA test to help get an accurate reading. These include:
Your healthcare provider will disinfect the skin around a vein in your arm with iodine, isopropyl alcohol or another skin cleaner. They’ll then use a thin (21 gauge, slightly smaller than the size of a standard earring) to withdraw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. They’ll send your blood sample to a lab for analysis. You may feel a tiny pinch as the needle enters or exits your skin. However, the blood draw usually lasts fewer than five minutes. You may have bruising or light bleeding after your blood test. Bruising usually goes away after a few days.
After your healthcare provider removes the needle, they’ll put pressure on the puncture wound to help stop any bleeding. They’ll then place a bandage on your skin. Keep the bandage on for a few hours and avoid getting it wet. It’s also a good idea to avoid exercising for a few hours after your blood test.
You should get the results of your PSA test within a week. Your healthcare provider will let you know when to expect your results. They’ll discuss your results with you at a follow-up appointment.
The main advantage of a PSA test is detecting prostate cancer before you have symptoms or changes in your body that could become prostate cancer. It can also find prostate cancer before it spreads to other areas of your body.
Risks or complications of a PSA test include:
After a blood test, it’s a good idea to wait at least 10 minutes before you leave your provider’s office. If you feel light-headed, nauseated or tired, lie down until you feel better and drink plenty of fluids.
Any bruising should go away within a week.
See a healthcare provider to consider a PSA test if you:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test provides important information about your prostate health. It’s a good idea to get regular PSA tests once you reach your 50s. However, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a PSA test earlier if you have elevated risks. Make sure you follow their instructions before the test to ensure you get the most accurate results. If you have any questions, your provider is there to help.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/12/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy