Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Code:
PSA
Sample Type:
Serum (Gold Top)
Minimum volume: 1 mL
Ref Ranges/Units:
Cut-offs agreed with Northern Cancer Alliance (2024)
Less than 40 years: Use clinical judgement or seek advice and guidance if there is a concern about prostate cancer.
40-49 years 0-2.5 ug/L
50-59 years 0-3.5 ug/L
60-69 years 0-4.5 ug/L
70-79 years 0-6.5 ug/L
80+ years Use clinical judgement (NCA suspected cancer referral recommends threshold is >20 ug/L)
Turnaround:
Same Day
Stability:
24 hours at 20-25°C
5 days at 2-8°C
24 weeks at –20°C
May be frozen 3 times
Special Precautions/Comments:
Additional Information:
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a tumour marker associated with prostate cancer. PSA is used in the investigation of prostate cancer and in monitoring treatment. PSA is measured post-prostatectomy to check for residual tissue and recurrence.
PSA can also be raised in other benign conditions such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), urinary tract infection (UTI), urine retention and acute/chronic prostatitis. PSA can also be elevated following ejaculation, exercise and catheterisation. It should therefore be interpreted with caution in the clinical context.
In the laboratory, total PSA (free and complexed) is measured. Caution should be taken when comparing PSA results from other laboratories who may use a different method (e.g. free PSA).
South of Tyne & Wear Pathology Centre
