PSA Exam - Sensitivity

When a man approaches middle age, the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test becomes more important than it was in his younger days. The test determines if his prostate gland is normal, or it could be enlarged or cancerous.

The PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen, produced by the gland, that is in the blood stream. Under normal conditions it should be less than 4 ng/ml. As you age or if your prostate is enlarged or cancerous, the results of the PSA could be above 4 ng/ml.

It is important that you ensure you get an accurate test to prevent unnecessary concern and testing, from bad test results. Here are some things that could affect the PSA score.

• Sex- Doctors recommend that men abstain from sex at least two days prior to the exam. Sex could give a false positive reading.
• Age- As a man ages, the PSA level goes up without having an enlarged prostate or cancer. It has been suggested that the go-no-go level of 4 ng/ml be raised as a man ages.
• Caffeine- Some people believe that caffeine may distort the readings. But no evidence can be found that supports these claims.
• Enlarged Prostate - As a prostate grows or becomes enlarged, it will put more prostate-specific antigen into the blood stream, causing the PSA to go higher.
• Cancer- Cancer of the prostate may or may not cause an elevated PSA. Cancer of the prostate has been found in men with a PSA less than 4 ng/ml. The best way to determine cancer of the prostate is by a digital rectal exam. If this exam determines there is hard spots on the prostate, it should be followed up with a biopsy.

Conclusion- As a man ages, the PSA test becomes more important to help ensure early detection of potential problems with the prostate. This article identifies several things that could affect the PSA results.