Test Description

The measured total and free PSA can vary depending on the test procedure and manufacturer used. These test results cannot be directly compared with results from another laboratory interchangeably. If there is a change in test methodology or lab used while monitoring therapy, then the test values obtained upon changing over to a new procedure should be confirmed by parallel measurements of both methods.

When should this test be ordered?
PSA is a protein found in a small gland that surrounds the urethra; this test is a monitoring tool for prostate cancer, however non-specific and controversial for screening in asymptomatic men.
High Risk · Outside Reference Range
< 50 yrs : > 4 (ng/mL)
50-59 yrs : > 3.89 (ng/mL)
60-69 yrs : > 5.40 (ng/mL)
> 70 yrs : > 6.22 (ng/mL)
Borderline Risk · <= 74 yrs : 125-449 (pg/mL)
Low Risk · Within Reference Range
Reference Range:
< 50 yrs : 0-4 (ng/mL)
50-59 yrs : 0-3.89 (ng/mL)
60-69 yrs : 0-5.4 (ng/mL)
> 70 yrs : 0-6.22 (ng/mL)
Testing Method Used
Sandwich principle: streptavidin-coated microparticles with ruthenium complex.

Sample is stable for 5 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Depending on diagnosis or risk factors, your healthcare practitioner my monitor or evaluate signs and symptoms and provided recommendations.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be done with other tests that requires fasting.
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Balk SP, Ko YJ, Bubley GJ (January 2003). “Biology of prostate-specific antigen”.

2. Catalona, W. J.; Richie, J. P.; Ahmann, F. R.; Hudson, M. A.; Scardino, P. T.; Flanigan, R. C.; Dekernion, J. B.; Ratliff, T. L.; Kavoussi, L. R.; Dalkin, B. L. (1994). “Comparison of digital rectal examination and serum prostate specific antigen in the early detection of prostate cancer: Results of a multicenter clinical trial of 6,630 men”. The Journal of urology

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.