Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protease, is a normal constituent of seminal fluid. It is produced by the secretory cells of the acini and ducts of the prostate and other cells expressing the nuclear androgen receptor.
PSA is measured to aid the diagnosis and for monitoring of prostate cancer.
PSA may be spuriously elevated in a number of situations: catheterisation; acute retention of urine; urinary infection; ejaculation or vigorous exercise; DRE; prostate biopsy. Where these may have contributed to an elevated PSA result, suggest repeat in 6 weeks.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
| Sample type |
Serum |
| Container |
SST |
| Precautions |
None |
| Minimum volume |
2 mL |
| Reference range |
Age (yrs) PSA (μg/L)
<60 ≤ 3.0
60 - 69 ≤ 4.0
≥70 ≤ 5.0
|
| Turnaround time |
1 day |
| Method |
Abbott Architect |
Quality Assurance
UK NEQAS
