Free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

A free prostrate-specific antigen or Free PSA is a diagnostic process that ascertains prostate health among males by determining the amount of free PSA in the blood. Primarily, if a man has prostate cancer, there is an increase in the serum concentration of total PSA, together with a corresponding decrease in unbound or free PSA.

In this test, PSA’s cancer sensitivity and tissue specificity represent the most useful tumor maker available for screening and managing prostate cancer.

Our PSA test has two variations to check your prostate health:

• Total PSA Test: This test measures the total amount of PSA circulating in your blood, both attached to proteins and free.
• Free PSA Test: It provides added insight during the evaluation of PSA level and distinguishes between mild conditions and prostate cancer.

Why Take Free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

• Improvement of Diagnostic Accuracy: The ratio of free PSA to total PSA aids doctors in coming up with an accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer. Studies have found that the higher the level of free PSA to total PSA, the lower the risk of having prostate cancer.
• Basis for Risk Assessment: The free PSA test can help men with high total PSA levels decide whether to undergo further diagnostic tests.
• Guidance for Clinical Decisions: The free PSA test can distinguish between BPH and prostate cancer. This is vital since the treatment modalities for both cases are different.

Common Symptoms Indicating a Need for Free PSA Test

Several symptoms may suggest a free PSA test is a good way of determining whether your prostate has become in some way abnormal. The more common of these include:

• Frequent urination: When there is a noticeable increase in the frequency of urination, especially at night, which may be a symptom of an enlarging prostate or otherwise. If men who regularly experience this symptom fall into the higher-risk group, they must consider a PSA test.
• Problems with Starting or Stopping the Flow of Urine: A man may have difficulty in starting urination, or a stop-and-go urine flow could signal prostate problems. Men who experience any of these symptoms should talk with their doctor, especially if they have risk factors for prostate cancer.
• Discomfort while passing urine or a burning sensation: This might be due to inflammation of the prostate or infection. A man should consider getting a PSA test, especially in the case of risk factors such as family history or even a previous prostate diagnosis.
• Blood in the Urine or Semen: When it occurs, it usually carries a more serious problem within the prostate. That could mean the presence of problematic prostates. Patients presenting with such conditions are candidates among other risk factors for PSA testing.
• Chronic Pain in the Lower Back or Pelvis: Long-term pain in the lower back or the region of the pelvis can relate to problems with the prostate, such as cancerous ones. In the case of such pains, men, particularly those who have a high risk, are encouraged to seek advice from a doctor and undergo a PSA test.

Risk Factors for Men

• Age: In addition, age is one of the main risk factors for prostate issues, and as men get older, the risk increases accordingly. All men above 50 who experience symptoms need to take the PSA test.
• Family History of Prostate Cancer: Individuals whose families contain a history of prostate cancer or any other similar prostate ailments often run a higher risk. Any symptoms experienced by such persons should be cross-checked through a PSA test.
• History of Prostate Conditions: A history of disorders of the prostate, especially BPH or corrected and treated prostate conditions, calls for being on the lookout for new symptoms and consideration of a PSA test.
• Genetic Risk Factors: High risk genetically or some family syndromes related to an increased risk for prostate cancer calls for regular screening presenting with symptoms attributed to them.
• Lifestyle Risk Factors: Men with lifestyle factors, such as obesity or a sedentary lifestyle, may represent an increased risk. If any of these men develop symptoms such as above, consideration should be given to obtaining a PSA test.

How to Take Advantage of Your Free PSA Screening

Step 1: Schedule Your Test

Call us at 0939-922-7341 or use our online schedule to make an appointment via our Virtual Lab for your free PSA as soon as possible. Before proceeding to step two, avoid certain activities, including:

• Sexual Activity: Abstain from sexual activities (ejaculation included) for at least 24 to 48 hours before the test, as it may temporarily increase the level of PSA.
• Prostate Stimulation: Any related to high exercise or examinations of the prostate will increase the level of PSA.
• Prescribed Medications: Inform your physician about all your ongoing medications and supplements because some drugs can alter the PSA level.

Step 2: Visit Our Laboratory

Come and visit our state-of-the-art facility on the 2nd floor of Avire Tower P. Tuazon Blvd. Project 4, Quezon City. Our health professionals are here to walk you through each step of the testing process.

Step 3: Laboratory Procedure

1. Blood Draw: A sample will be collected from a vein.
2. Laboratory Analysis: The blood will be subsequently taken to a laboratory, which analyses free PSA levels relative to total PSA.

Step 4: Get Your Results

After the results are out, private doctors will interpret them based on PSA levels concerning the patient’s general health, age, and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may suggest additional tests or procedures, such as a biopsy, depending on the results.

FAQs

What level of PSA indicates cancer?

An overall PSA level of above 4.0 ng/mL raises suspicion for prostate cancer, but it is not a diagnostic criterion of prostate malignancy.

What is an alarming PSA level?

Usually, a PSA level greater than 4.0 ng/mL is cause for concern, significantly if steadily increasing in a short period.

Is prostate-specific antigen cancerous?

No, PSA is not cancerous; it is only a protein secreted by the prostate gland. In fact, high levels of PSA could just signal issues with the prostate, such as cancer.

Give Your Prostate Health Top Priority Today

Take control of your prostate health before it’s too late. Schedule your Free Prostate Specific Antigen test today at Medi Linx Laboratory. We dedicate accessible and accurate health testing with more than 400 comprehensive laboratory tests, including urinalysis and executive check-up, to ensure you can get the best care possible.