The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is commonly used to screen for prostate cancer in men. However, several factors can affect PSA blood test results, which can lead to false positives or negatives. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common factors that can affect PSA blood test results.
- Age: PSA levels can naturally increase as a man ages, so it’s important to take age into account when interpreting test results.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can lower PSA levels. This can lead to false negatives or an underestimation of PSA levels. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking before getting a PSA test.
- Prostate Biopsy: A prostate biopsy, which is a procedure to remove a small piece of prostate tissue for examination, can increase PSA levels. This is because the biopsy can cause inflammation and irritation in the prostate. It’s recommended to wait at least six weeks after a prostate biopsy before getting a PSA test.
- Urinary Tract Infection: A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause PSA levels to increase. This is because the infection can cause inflammation and irritation in the prostate. It’s recommended to wait at least six weeks after a UTI before getting a PSA test.
- Ejaculation: Ejaculation can cause a temporary increase in PSA levels. It’s recommended to abstain from sexual activity or ejaculating for at least 48 hours before getting a PSA test.
Conclusion:
PSA blood test results can be affected by a number of factors, including age, medications, prostate biopsy, urinary tract infection, and ejaculation. It’s important to inform your GP of any medications you are taking and any recent procedures or infections before getting a PSA test. Additionally, it’s recommended to follow any instructions for preparing for a PSA test, such as abstaining from sexual activity or ejaculating before the test. By taking these factors into account, doctors can interpret PSA test results more accurately and make appropriate recommendations for further testing or treatment.
Author: Neil A Haldar MBBS MD FRCS
Consultant Urological Surgeon
The Pelvic Specialists