PSA
Prostate-specific antigen: used in prostate assessment in men.
What it is
Total PSA in µg/L. Age-related reference approaches are sometimes used. Recent ejaculation, cycling, infection, and prostate instrumentation raise PSA.
Prostate-specific antigen is a serine protease produced by prostate epithelium. Blood PSA can rise when prostate tissue allows more leakage into the bloodstream, including enlargement, inflammation, or instrumentation. Reported in µg/L. It is not a cancer diagnosis on its own.
Prostate-specific antigen is a serine protease produced by prostate epithelium. Blood PSA can rise when prostate tissue allows more leakage into the bloodstream, including enlargement, inflammation, or instrumentation. Reported in µg/L. It is not a cancer diagnosis on its own.
Why it matters
PSA can rise for several reasons, including benign enlargement and infection. UK decisions about testing and follow-up are individual. Discuss risks and benefits with a clinician before testing and after any raised result. Do not ignore a raised PSA.
This guide is educational only and cannot diagnose you. Discuss results, especially anything outside your laboratory’s reference interval, or that does not match how you feel, with a GP or other appropriately qualified clinician.
This guide is educational only and cannot diagnose you. Discuss results, especially anything outside your laboratory’s reference interval, or that does not match how you feel, with a GP or other appropriately qualified clinician.
How it affects the body
PSA is a protease in seminal fluid that leaks into blood when prostate architecture is disturbed.
In semen, PSA liquefies the coagulum. In blood it is only a leakage marker; it does not stage disease or prove a diagnosis alone. Digital rectal examination and further tests follow clinical pathways after a raised PSA.
In semen, PSA liquefies the coagulum. In blood it is only a leakage marker; it does not stage disease or prove a diagnosis alone. Digital rectal examination and further tests follow clinical pathways after a raised PSA.
For athletes
Cyclists and triathlon athletes should avoid hard saddle sessions immediately before PSA bloods when possible. A raised PSA still needs GP follow-up: sport is context, not dismissal.
Avoid ejaculation and prolonged hard cycling in the 48 hours before PSA when practical. A raised result still needs GP follow-up regardless of saddle time.
Avoid ejaculation and prolonged hard cycling in the 48 hours before PSA when practical. A raised result still needs GP follow-up regardless of saddle time.
Related tests
No published panels currently list this marker.