PSA, (total) serum
Clinical Background:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced exclusively by prostatic tissue. PSA's absolute tissue specificity makes it valuable as an important tumour marker for prostatic cancer. P...
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced exclusively by prostatic tissue. PSA's absolute tissue specificity makes it valuable as an important tumour marker for prostatic cancer. Prostatic cancer is prevalent in the older male population and is a major cause of death in men. PSA is useful for monitoring therapy, particularly surgical prostatectomy, because complete removal of the prostate gland should result in PSA being undetectable. PSA is not totally prostate specific e.g. small amounts have been found in breast disease and other tissues (e.g. GI tract, salivary glands, pancreas, colon and lymphoma).
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL
0.5 mL
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated: 24 hours
Separated:
at +15° to +25°C: 7 days
at +2° to +8°C: 30 daysat -20°C: 3 months
Unseparated: 24 hours
Separated:
at +15° to +25°C: 7 days
at +2° to +8°C: 30 daysat -20°C: 3 months
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Reference Ranges:
<50 years - >2.5 ug/L
50 - 59 years - >3.0 ug/L
60 - 69 years - >4.0 ug/L
70 - 79 years - >6.5 ug/L
80 years and over - >20 ug/L
...Read More<50 years - >2.5 ug/L
50 - 59 years - >3.0 ug/L
60 - 69 years - >4.0 ug/L
70 - 79 years - >6.5 ug/L
80 years and over - >20 ug/L
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Factors Affecting Result:
Samples for PSA must be drawn prior to digital rectal examination (DRE) and ultrasonography (TRUS). Levels are affected by ejaculation and exercise. Catheterization, urinary tract infection and uri...
Read MoreSamples for PSA must be drawn prior to digital rectal examination (DRE) and ultrasonography (TRUS). Levels are affected by ejaculation and exercise. Catheterization, urinary tract infection and urine retention can result in grossly elevated results. Finasteride (5-a reductase inhibitor used in BPH) results in approximately 50% reduction in circulating PSA. Terazosin (a-1 adrenergic antagonist used in LUTS) has no effect
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Other Info:
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: