Question: PSA Test Results: A High PSA Level
My PSA test result was high. What does it mean?
Answer:
PSA Test Results
The PSA test is a blood test used to measure a substance called prostate specific antigen in the blood. It is used as a screening tool for prostate cancer.In a healthy male, the PSA level should be less than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Anything higher than 4 can indicate prostate cancer.
Keep in mind that PSA tests are notorious for producing false positives. Other tests such as a biopsy or digital rectal exam may be performed to further evaluate the prostate for cancer.
There are other factors that can elevate the PSA levels, such as:
-
ejaculation (no ejaculation at least two days prior to test)
- PSA levels can naturally increase with age
- inflammation of the prostate gland
- non cancerous enlargement of the prostate
