Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

No special preparation is usually necessary, but men who engage in sexual intercourse within 24 hours before the PSA test may have a falsely elevated result. Falsely elevated results can also be due to a recent urinary tract infection or a recent surgery on the urinary tract.

Discuss with your doctor or health care provider whether a PSA test is appropriate for you, because it is not appropriate for all men.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a bruise.

This test is performed to detect the presence of PSA.

PSA is a glycoprotein (a protein with a sugar attached) found in prostatic epithelial cells. It can be detected at a low level in the blood of all adult men.

The PSA level is elevated in men with BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) and prostate cancer. Other inflammatory diseases, such as prostatitis, may also increase the PSA level.

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

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Prostate cancer
• Prostatitis
• Prostate infarction
• Urinary tract infection
• Recent urinary catheterization
• Recent urinary tract operation

• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

Starting at age 50, you should talk to your provider at your regular physical to see whether PSA testing is appropriate for you. PSA testing may be started at age 40 or 45 if you have risk factors for prostate cancer, like you are African American or you have a father or brother diagnosed at an early age.