| Ordering Code | 505 |
|---|---|
| Test Name | PSA, Total, Screen |
| Alias | Ultra-Sensitive PSA Highly Sensitive PSA Prostate Specific Antigen, Total, Screen |
| Preferred Specimen | Serum |
| Preferred Container | SST (Gold) |
| Other Specimen/Container | Serum in Plain (Red) |
| Optimum Volume | 1 mL |
| Collection Instructions | Specimens for PSA testing should be drawn prior to such prostatic manipulations as digital rectal exam (DRE), prostatic massage, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and prostatic biopsy. DRE may cause a transient increase in serum PSA levels. A repeat PSA measurement in the case of borderline elevation has been recommended. Transrectal needle biopsy has also been shown to cause persisting PSA elevations. Thus, a 6 week waiting period between needle biopsy and PSA sampling has been recommended. |
| Handling Instructions | All specimen types must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. If no gel separation present in tube and testing is delayed, plasma/serum is aliquoted from cells within 2 hours of collection Keep tubes stoppered at all times. |
| Transport Requirements | Oahu: Refrigerated Airline: Frozen Send frozen aliquot if transport >5 days. |
| Specimen Stability | Ambient: 3 Hours Refrigerated: 24 Hours Frozen: 5 Months (Aliquot) |
| Rejection Criteria | Lipemia, Hemolysis, Insufficient quantity, Specimen older than stability limits, Wrong specimen type |
| Avail. Stat | NO |
| Analytic Time | 1 Day |
| Methodology | Chemiluminescent Immunoassay - Two-site Sandwich |
Reference range(s)
The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of July 13, 2025.
| Component | Age | Male Norm | Male Critical Low | Male Critical High | Female Norm | Female Critical High | Female Critical Low | Units | Add'l info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA, Total | ALL | <=4.00 | ng/mL |