What should you know about a PSA blood test?

The prostate releases PSA, and a blood sample can measure its concentration. PSA may rise with benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation, or procedures involving the prostate, as well as with prostate cancer. A lower result cannot exclude every problem either. Clinicians interpret the result with age, symptoms, prostate examination, previous results and personal risk, then decide whether monitoring, repeat testing or further assessment is appropriate.

Tell the clinician about urinary symptoms, fever, pelvic discomfort, recent infections, catheterisation or prostate procedures. Mention all medicines and supplements, including treatment for prostate enlargement, because some can change PSA readings. Follow the testing service's preparation instructions and ask whether recent ejaculation or vigorous cycling could affect timing. Keep copies of earlier results when available; trends can be more informative than one isolated measurement.

Arrange medical review for blood in the urine or semen, persistent difficulty passing urine, a weak stream, repeated night-time urination, pelvic pain or an unexpectedly changed PSA result. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have fever with urinary symptoms, severe lower abdominal pain, or feel acutely unwell. These symptoms can need treatment even when the PSA result is not raised.

Ask why the test is being offered, what could influence your result, whether repeat testing is needed, and what the next step would be for different findings.