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PSA

Overview Risks Results
Alternative Names:
Prostate-specific antigen
Normal Values:

Normal values vary with age. Older men typically have slightly higher PSA measurements than younger men. African-Americans normally have slightly higher values than white men.

A PSA of 4 ng/ml is typically used to determine the need for further evaluation with a prostate biopsy. Keep in mind that while the PSA test is an important tool for detecting prostate cancer, it is not foolproof. A PSA test does not always detect the presence of cancer. A digital rectal exam should also be performed to check for prostate cancer.

Note: ng/ml = nanograms per milliliter

What abnormal results mean:
Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:
  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy
  • Prostate cancer
  • Prostatitis
  • Prostate infarction
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Recent urinary catheterization
  • Recent urinary tract operation
Blood test
Blood test
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