Results Of A Psa Blood Test
With imawareâ¢, youâll receive your results within 7 days of shipping the sample off to our labs. Youâll receive an email prompting you to log into your secure patient portal to view your results. Your results will give you a detailed look at your total PSA biomarker. Not only will the results give you a numerical value, but also a qualitative look into your data, taking into account any provided risk factors.
When Is A Psa Test Needed
If you are age 50 to 74, you should discuss the PSA test with your doctor. Ask about the possible risks and benefits.
Men under 50 or over 75 rarely need a PSA test, unless they have a high risk for prostate cancer.
- You are more likely to get prostate cancer if you have a family history of prostate cancer, especially in a close relative such as a parent or sibling.
- Your risks are higher if your relative got prostate cancer before age 60 or died from it before age 75. These early cancers are more likely to grow faster.
- If you have these risks, you may want to ask your doctor about getting the PSA test before age 50.
This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk.
04/2014
Screening Tests For Prostate Cancer
Screening is testing to find cancer in people before they have symptoms. Its not clear, however, if the benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the risks for most men. Still, after discussing the pros and cons of screening with their doctors, some men might reasonably choose to be screened.
The screening tests discussed here are used to look for possible signs of prostate cancer. But these tests cant tell for sure if you have cancer. If the result of one of these tests is abnormal, you will probably need a prostate biopsy to know for sure if you have cancer.
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What Is The Psa Test For
The decision to screen a patient for prostate cancer using PSA should be based upon the patient’s individual situation, including age, past medical history, estimated life expectancy, family history of disease, and physical examination. The health care professional and patient should discuss the risks and benefits of the screening test and proceed once they come to an agreement.
For patients who have had prostatectomy as treatment for cancer, serial PSA measurements may be used to screen for recurrence of the cancer. Serial PSA testing also occurs for patients who have undergone radiation therapy instead of surgery.
How Can I Prepare For An At
One important step for an accurate test is to abstain from sexual activity either masturbation or with a partner for 48 hours. People with penises cannot ejaculate prior to the test, since the semen released can elevate PSA levels and skew the results.
Most at-home PSA kits recommend that you collect blood samples first thing in the morning, but no fasting is required.
While no food or drinks are proven to skew results, imaware notes that some supplements and medications may raise or lower PSA levels.
You should consult with your doctor if youre undergoing chemotherapy or taking any of the following medications or supplements:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- lycopene
- phytoestrogens
Heavy exercise can also temporarily increase PSA levels, leading to inaccurate results. According to LetsGetChecked, even seemingly simple activities, like riding a bike, may increase your PSA level. Its best to refrain from exercise for a few days prior to testing.
Urinary tract infections or recent pelvic injuries can also impact your PSA levels, so its best to consult with your doctor if youre experiencing an infection or taking antibiotics for a UTI.
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New And Upcoming Tests For Prostate Cancer
The good news about new and upcoming tests for prostate cancer is that they can tell you more specific information than the PSA test alone.
You and your doctor can use the new urine test for prostate cancer to let you know if you have low-risk or high-risk prostate cancer, and this can help you make more-informed decisions about further testing and treatment. Also, a new genetic test that predicts prostate canceris on the way.
This, too, will allow doctors and patients to learn more about how aggressive their tumors are so they can make the right treatment decisions for them.
Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for prostate cancer. Knowing your risk factors along with your PSA level are some of the first steps in getting on track with your prostate health. Just be sure that you avoid doing any of the activities that can affect your PSA level for the 48 hours leading up to your test, and be aware of the other factors that can affect your PSA.
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Who Should Take This Test
Any male over the age of 40 should establish a baseline PSA level and be regularly screened for prostate cancer. Based on your baseline PSA level and risk factors such as age, race, and family history, you might have to be re-tested annually, while others can wait years between screenings. Men are at greater risk if they:
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Are of black ethnic origin
- Are overweight or obese
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Can I Eat And Drink Before Having A Blood Test
It depends on the type of blood test you’re having. The healthcare professional arranging your test will tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for it.
You can eat and drink as normal before some blood tests. But if you’re having a “fasting blood test”, you will be told not to eat or drink anything beforehand. You may also be told not to smoke before your test.
Do I Need The Psa Test
The PSA test is not recommended for men who dont have symptoms of prostate cancer, as it can lead to unnecessary investigations and treatments that have serious side effects.
If you are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, or if you have symptoms that may indicate cancer, PSA testing may be of more benefit.
Cancer Council Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners both recommend against routine screening in men without symptoms. That is because the PSA test is not very accurate for screening men without symptoms. High PSA levels can be due to many things, and cancer is just one of them. And a man with prostate cancer can have a normal PSA level.
As there is a range of risks and potential benefits of PSA testing, talk to your doctor to help make an informed decision.
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How Are Researchers Trying To Improve The Psa Test
Scientists are investigating ways to improve the PSA test to give doctors the ability to better distinguish cancerous from benign conditions and slow-growing cancers from fast-growing, potentially lethal cancers. None has been proven to decrease the risk of death from prostate cancer. Some of the methods being studied include:
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Who Can Have The Psa Test
Although there is no screening programme, if you are aged over 50 you can ask your GP for the PSA test. Or you may be offered one as part of a general health check.
Before you have the test, your GP or nurse will talk through the benefits and disadvantages of having your PSA checked. If you are aged under 50 but at higher risk of prostate cancer, you can talk to your GP about having the PSA test.
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What Are The Benefits And Risks Of A Psa Test
One benefit of PSA testing is the increased chance of finding prostate cancer before it spreads.
However, PSA testing is no longer routinely recommended because even in the potential of detecting all prostate cancers, it would not always lead to improved survival.
The CDC states that a false positive can lead to unnecessary worry and tests, like a biopsy, causing potential harm.
There are some cases where the amount of prostate cancer is so minimal that it would never be life threatening. of people who would have not had symptoms or died from their amount of prostate cancer may lead to more medical complications from the treatment, according to the CDC.
Some treatment side effects include:
- urinary incontinence
- erectile dysfunction
- bowel problems
If youre concerned about your treatment plan, its a good idea to get a second opinion and weigh the pros and cons of treatment.
What Are The Risks And Potential Complications Of Psa Testing
The health risks of PSA testing are minimal. The more important concerns with PSA testing lie in interpreting its results. The main concerns and limitations of PSA testing include:
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False-positive results. Because there is no standardized range for normal PSA levels, a mans test result could show elevated PSA levels even though he does not have prostate cancer. False-positive PSA results can cause concern and lead to unnecessary prostate biopsies.
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False-negative results. Some men with prostate exhibit normal levels of prostate-specific antigen in their blood. A normal PSA finding can leave those men with a false sense of security about their health status.
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Test results that lead to overtreatment. A positive PSA result might indicate only that a man has a small malignant tumor within the prostatetumors that tend to grow very slowly and are rarely fatal. Observation is often recommended in this situation. Overtreating smaller, nonaggressive tumors by subjecting men to invasive treatments, such as , with significant potential complications may not prolong their lives and could cause unnecessary harm.
PSA testing is a personal health decision. Talk with your doctor about your risk of prostate cancer and the use of PSA screening as part of your annual physical.
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How Long Should I Fast Before Blood Test
You are required to fast for up to 12 hours before going for a blood test. Drinking coffee, tea or even water can affect blood test results.
Avoid Over Fasting, this particularly applies to diabetic individuals and pregnant women. Over fasting can cause dehydration and hypoglycemia in diabetics. Over fasting can also sometimes alter test results.
Make sure to carry some snacks to your physicians office so that you can eat immediately after blood is drawn. Blood glucose for postprandial levels requires you to eat and give a blood sample after an hour of a meal.
Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea about fasting for blood tests and which blood tests require fasting. These questions should additionally be clarified with your physician. This is because your physician will be able to guide you better.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.
What About Fasting For A Blood Test During Pregnancy
There are several blood tests you may need if youre pregnant. These are designed to assess any potential health concerns that you or your baby might experience during pregnancy or after you give birth. Some of these tests will require you to fast beforehand. Your doctor will advise you how to prepare for each test.
Fasting is usually safe if youre pregnant, provided youre in good health and arent having a high-risk pregnancy. For your overall comfort, your doctor may advise you to drink extra water or to remain indoors, especially if the weather is very hot or humid.
Fasting may increase heartburn in some pregnant women. If you experience uncomfortable or concerning symptoms of any kind while youre waiting to have your blood drawn, let your doctor know immediately.
If youre seeing a doctor other than your obstetrician-gynecologist, make sure they are made aware of your pregnancy before your blood test.
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Screenings Can Lead To High Costs
The cost for a PSA test is fairly lowabout $40.
If your result is abnormal, the costs start adding up. Your doctor will usually refer you to a urologist for a biopsy. Costs may include:
- A consultation fee .
- An ultrasound fee .
- Additional professional fees .
- Biopsy fees .
If the biopsy causes problems, there are more costs. You might also have hospital costs.
If You Are Transgender
If you are a trans man you do not have a prostate and do not need a PSA test.
Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth still have a prostate gland, whether they have had genital gender-affirming surgery or not. This means they may still get prostate cancer, although there is not enough evidence to know how common this is.
If you are a trans woman or non-binary person assigned male at birth and would like to have the PSA test, talk to your GP.
You may worry about talking to your doctor or practice nurse about this, but they are used to talking about many different needs. If you find it difficult to start the conversation, you could try showing them this information. You should talk about any worrying symptoms or concerns with your GP or nurse.
Prostate cancer UK have detailed information about trans women and prostate cancer.
The LGBT Foundation can also give you confidential advice and support. You can also talk to one of our cancer support specialists.
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Do You Have To Fast For Cancer Antigen Test
Cancer antigens blood tests are not fasting tests in general, when testing for Cancer antigen CA.19.9, it is preferred to fast ASO titre, CRP test, Rheumatoid factor test arent fasting blood tests. Kidney Function tests dont require fasting before blood test sampling. CMP non fasting tests include:
What Is A Psa Test
Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate gland that is present in small quantities in all men’s blood. It often is elevated in the presence of prostate cancer, making a man’s PSA levels a useful tool for early prostate cancer detection.
The PSA blood test was developed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in the 1970s and is now in use worldwide. Since the test was first introduced, the cure rate for prostate cancer has increased from about 4% to 80%. Here are some answers to the frequently asked questions we receive from men preparing for their first PSA exam.
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Can You Drink Coffee If Youre Fasting Before A Blood Test
Even if you drink it black, coffee can interfere with blood test results. Thats because it contains caffeine and soluble plant matter, which might skew your test results.
Coffee is also a diuretic, which means that it will increase how much you pee. This can have a dehydrating effect. The less hydrated you are, the harder it can be for the nurse or other medical professional whos doing your blood test to find a vein. This can make the blood test harder or more stressful for you.
What Will My Results Tell Me
If youâve never had a PSA test before, it will provide you with a baseline total PSA level. Youâll use this level initially to understand your likelihood of potential prostate cancer â but you can also use this test to compare your PSA level year-over-year to understand the health of your prostate. If your test flags a high PSA level, your physician can pursue further diagnostic testing if needed.
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What Happens If My Psa Levels Are High
If your test shows a high PSA level, we recommend you use your results to engage a physician for further diagnosis. Your physician may review family history, your PSA history, and evaluate you for biopsy before exploring treatment options if necessary. For more information about diagnosis and treatment techniques for prostate cancer, visit our partners at Halo Diagnostics to learn more about multiparametric prostate MRI and laser focal therapy.
What If A Screening Test Shows An Elevated Psa Level
If a man who has no symptoms of prostate cancer chooses to undergo prostate cancer screening and is found to have an elevated PSA level, the doctor may recommend another PSA test to confirm the original finding. If the PSA level is still high, the doctor may recommend that the man continue with PSA tests and DREs at regular intervals to watch for any changes over time.
If a mans PSA level continues to rise or if a suspicious lump is detected during a DRE, the doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the nature of the problem. A urine test may be recommended to check for a urinary tract infection. The doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as a transrectal ultrasound, x-rays, or cystoscopy.
If prostate cancer is suspected, the doctor will recommend a prostate biopsy. During this procedure, multiple samples of prostate tissue are collected by inserting hollow needles into the prostate and then withdrawing them. Most often, the needles are inserted through the wall of the rectum . A pathologist then examines the collected tissue under a microscope. The doctor may use ultrasound to view the prostate during the biopsy, but ultrasound cannot be used alone to diagnose prostate cancer.
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