Tests
PSA Test Explained: What the Number Can and Cannot Tell You
PSA test explained: it is a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by normal and cancerous prostate cells. A level above 4.0 ng/mL is generally called abnormal, but BPH, infection and recent exercise can raise it. A high result means more tests, not a diagnosis.
Written by the Protoflow label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The test01
What is a PSA test?
A PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen in a blood sample.
The National Cancer Institute says PSA is made by normal prostate cells as well as cancer cells (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet). That is why one number cannot give a yes or no. A level above 4.0 ng/mL is generally considered abnormal, yet no single threshold separates normal from abnormal (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet).
What moves it02
What can raise a PSA level besides cancer?
Several ordinary things can, and some lower it.
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| BPH or prostatitis | Can raise it (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet) |
| Infection or recent biopsy | Raises it for a month or two (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet) |
| Vigorous exercise, ejaculation | Raises it briefly (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet) |
| Finasteride, dutasteride | Lowers it (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet) |
The NCI page does not mention herbs. NCCIH says saw palmetto does not appear to affect PSA readings (NCCIH, Saw Palmetto). Still tell your doctor about every supplement.
Screening03
Who should get a PSA test?
It is a personal decision made with a clinician.
- Ages 55 to 69: grade C, an individual choice after discussing benefits and harms (USPSTF, Prostate Cancer Screening)
- Age 70 and older: grade D, recommended against (USPSTF, Prostate Cancer Screening)
- Harms named: false positives, overdiagnosis and treatment side effects (USPSTF, Prostate Cancer Screening)
About 6% to 7% of men get a false alarm each screening round, and only about 25% of men biopsied for a high PSA have cancer (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet).
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See packsAfter the result04
What should you do with a high PSA result?
Do not panic, and do not guess. Ask what comes next.
Your doctor may repeat the test, review your medicines or order more checks. Read how it differs from BPH in BPH vs prostate cancer. Men on finasteride should read finasteride and PSA.
No supplement, including Protoflow, replaces testing. If you take prescribed medicine, keep taking it and bring your supplement list to the visit.
FAQ05
Protoflow questions people ask
What is a normal PSA number by age?
No single cutoff exists. Above 4.0 ng/mL is generally called abnormal, but the NCI says that line does not cleanly separate normal from abnormal (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet). Ask your doctor what is normal for you.
Do I need to fast before a PSA test?
Our sources do not say fasting matters. Ask the lab, and mention recent exercise, ejaculation or infection, since these can move the result (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet).
How often should PSA be checked?
Guidance we use gives no fixed schedule for everyone. The USPSTF only calls screening a personal decision at ages 55 to 69 (USPSTF, Prostate Cancer Screening). Your doctor sets the interval.
Can a PSA test be wrong?
Yes. About 6% to 7% of men get a false positive each screening round (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet). That is why a high result leads to follow-up, not a diagnosis.
Is a PSA test the same as a biopsy?
No. PSA is a blood test. A biopsy takes prostate tissue, and it is the step that checks for cancer (NCI, PSA Test Fact Sheet).
Who wrote this06
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the brand pages and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, NICE and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . See our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a USA authorized Protoflow retailer, not by the manufacturer or distributor, PhytoThrive Labs. We make money when you buy through our order links.
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