Is a PSA test safe in men?

PSA is a substance made by prostate tissue. A blood test measures its level, but the result does not by itself diagnose prostate cancer. PSA can change for reasons such as benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation, or urinary procedures. A raised result may lead to a repeat test, examination, imaging or a specialist discussion.

The blood draw may cause brief discomfort, bruising or light-headedness. Serious problems from the sample are uncommon, but tell the clinician if you take blood-thinning medicine or have previously fainted during blood tests.

Discuss why testing is being offered and how the result would change your next step. Tell the clinician about urinary symptoms, prostate problems, infections, procedures and medicines. Follow any preparation instructions, which may include avoiding activities that can temporarily influence PSA.

Do not interpret one result alone. Ask whether the level should be repeated and how your age, family history, ethnicity and previous results affect the discussion. A normal result does not rule out every prostate problem, and an abnormal result does not prove cancer.

Contact a clinician if you develop fever, worsening urinary pain, inability to pass urine, blood in the urine, or significant pelvic discomfort. After the blood draw, seek urgent help for persistent fainting, heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Why do you recommend this test for me? How should I prepare? Could an infection, medicine or recent procedure affect the result? What happens if the result is higher or lower than expected? When should it be repeated?