Biochemistry
| Full details for "Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA)". | |
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Name |
Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) |
Alternative name/Profile |
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Department |
Biochemistry |
Investigation |
PSA should not be considered a routine test in asymptomatic men and before being undertaken should be discussed with the patient, in line with NCCP guidance. PSA is a useful test in men presenting with clinical features that suggest possible prostate cancer. It is also a useful test in men with known prostate cancer undergoing treatment or follow-up. See NCCP guidance for full details. |
Specimen type |
Serum |
Sample type |
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Sample container & volume |
5 mL - Red Tube |
Frequency of analysis |
Mon-Fri during core working hours |
Turnaround time |
1 working day |
Availability |
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Notes |
Tumour marker, separate sample required as carry over from other tests may cause falsely elevated results. The role of serum Free PSA in the overall clinical management of patients with suspected prostate cancer has been discussed within the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) by relevant clinical and laboratory working groups. It was acknowledged that in current routine clinical practice the use of serum Free PSA is more or less confined to a niche role in determining whether or not to perform a prostate biopsy on a patient with a total PSA between 4 and 10ng/ml. Consequently, the NCCP recommends that the serum Free PSA should only be available as a diagnostic support service to Consultant Urologists. This decision has been endorsed by the Irish College of General Practitioners following a meeting with representatives from NCCP working groups in April 2013. Therefore, we will no longer be offering a serum Free PSA service to primary care users from Monday 1st July 2013 onwards. |
Related links |
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Reference range |
PSA now reported using age related limits. 40 - 49 yrs: <2 ug/L 50 - 59 yrs: <3 ug/L 60 - 69 yrs: <4 ug/L > 70 yrs <5 ug/L Please note: No reference range's available for males under 40yrs. The most up to date guidelines are available at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/resources/gpreferrals/gp-prostate-referral-form-and-guideline.html |
Last updated |
Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:38:06 IST |