What should you know about a prostate specific antigen blood test?

PSA is a substance made by prostate cells. A raised result can occur with prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, or cancer, while a lower result does not by itself rule out a prostate problem. Age, prostate symptoms, medicines, and previous results help a clinician interpret the finding.

Your clinician may discuss repeating the test, examining the prostate, checking urine, or arranging specialist assessment. A change over time can be more informative than one isolated reading. Avoid treating a result as a diagnosis before the full assessment is complete.

Tell the clinician about urinary changes, pelvic discomfort, fever, recent procedures, and medicines before the result is reviewed. Follow the planned appointment so the result can be considered alongside your symptoms and examination. Ask whether any activity or treatment could have influenced the sample and whether another test is appropriate.

Arrange prompt medical care for fever with urinary symptoms, worsening pelvic pain, or difficulty passing urine. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, feel very unwell, become confused, or develop severe pain. These symptoms need assessment regardless of the PSA result.

What does my result mean alongside my age, symptoms, examination, and previous results? Could infection, inflammation, prostate enlargement, or a medicine have affected it? Should the test be repeated, and what follow-up would be considered if it remains raised?