Understanding your PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) results
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein made by the prostate gland. Small amounts enter the blood, and the level rises when the prostate is enlarged, inflamed or affected by cancer. PSA is not specific to cancer: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an age-related enlargement), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), recent ejaculation, vigorous cycling and a recent prostate examination can all raise it. A raised PSA on its own is a reason for further assessment and does not amount to a diagnosis. Some reports also give free PSA, the share of PSA not bound to proteins, which helps a urologist judge a raised total PSA.
The ranges on this page are commonly quoted adult reference ranges. Laboratories set their own, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges
>>>| Parameter | Reference range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Men under 40 | < 2.0 | ng/mL |
| Men aged 40 to 49 | < 2.5 | ng/mL |
| Men aged 50 to 59 | < 3.5 | ng/mL |
| Men aged 60 to 69 | < 4.5 | ng/mL |
| Men aged 70 and over | < 6.5 | ng/mL |
What a high PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) result can mean
A PSA above the age-related reference figure has several possible causes, including BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer, and the number alone cannot tell them apart. Urologists also look at the free PSA ratio and at how quickly PSA has risen across earlier tests (PSA velocity).
What a low PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) result can mean
A PSA below the age-related reference figure is reassuring but does not rule out prostate cancer completely. Some medicines for prostate enlargement or hair loss, such as finasteride and dutasteride, lower PSA, so a doctor takes them into account when reading the result. After treatment for prostate cancer, doctors follow PSA over time.
How a doctor reads the result
A doctor or urologist will usually interpret PSA alongside age, family history, urinary symptoms, medicines, a prostate examination and earlier PSA results. Recent ejaculation, cycling or a urine infection can raise PSA for a short time, which is why a doctor may ask about them. Discuss the result with your doctor.
Follow-up a doctor may arrange
After a raised PSA, a doctor may repeat the test once short-term causes have been ruled out, and a urologist may arrange an MRI scan of the prostate before deciding whether a biopsy is needed.
Related tests
>>>Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): preparation and listed prices
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood. The PSA test is listed at AED 110 to AED 160 across 3 labs and services: AED 110 on the Smart Care Polyclinic website (Dubai only), AED 138 on the DarDoc website and AED 160 on the Healthchecks360 website.
Sources: Prices on this page are the ones each lab or service publishes on its own website, read between 13 October 2026 and 7 November 2026. Zavis has published prices from 6 of the 13 labs and services it lists: of the other 7, 6 do not publish per-test prices and 1 website could not be read. The websites do not all say whether VAT or a collection fee is added to a listed price, so confirm the price with the lab before you book. How Zavis sources prices.
Listed prices for the PSA test, as each site names itFrequently asked questions
What are the commonly quoted reference ranges for PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)?
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges are: Men under 40: < 2.0 ng/mL; Men aged 40 to 49: < 2.5 ng/mL; Men aged 50 to 59: < 3.5 ng/mL; Men aged 60 to 69: < 4.5 ng/mL; Men aged 70 and over: < 6.5 ng/mL. Laboratories set their own ranges, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
What can a high PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) result mean?
A PSA above the age-related reference figure has several possible causes, including BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer, and the number alone cannot tell them apart. Urologists also look at the free PSA ratio and at how quickly PSA has risen across earlier tests (PSA velocity).
Is fasting needed for PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)?
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
How often are PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) results rechecked?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. A doctor can advise whether and how often to test, based on your health, any treatment and your earlier results.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your full clinical picture, symptoms, and medical history. If you have concerns about your test results, always consult a licensed healthcare professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard professional medical guidance because of information on this page.