Creekside Family Health Clinic / Quality Health Care, Ketchikan, Alaska

PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) $49.00

What is it?

This test measures the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in men. Elevations of PSA may indicate prostate disease such as benign hypertrophy or cancer. These conditions may produce mild or no symptoms. Having this test does not eliminate the need for rectal evaluation of the prostate gland nor does the rectal exam eliminate the need for a PSA test.

Why do I need it?

Only men have PSA. The test is needed to:

Screen for prostate disease including cancer;
Annually or periodically after removal of the prostate gland (especially for malignancy);
Periodically for men undergoing treatment for cancer;
Annually in men over 50 years old or younger if in a high risk group including tobacco use, African American ancestry, diabetes, prior or family health history of cancer, or a diet high in saturated fats (especially animal fats);
Increasing frequency off urination – especially at night;
Decreased force of urine stream;
Rectal pain.

What do I do with the results?

If your results are ‘abnormal’ or ‘out-of-range’ from the normal, please contact a health care provider. The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed nurse practitioner or physician.