Health Information
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Results
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of Reference prostate-specific antigen Opens New Window in the blood.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Normal
Because normal PSA levels seem to increase with age, age-specific ranges may be used. But the use of age-specific ranges is controversial, and some doctors prefer to use one range for all ages. For this reason, it is important to discuss your test results with your doctor.
|
Men age 40–49: |
0–2.5 Reference nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) Opens New Window |
0–2.5 Reference micrograms per liter (mcg/L) Opens New Window |
|---|---|---|
|
Men age 50–59: |
0–3.5 ng/mL |
0–3.5 mcg/L |
|
Men age 60–69: |
0–4.5 ng/mL |
0–4.5 mcg/L |
|
Men 70–79: |
0–6.5 ng/mL |
0–6.5 mcg/L |
High values
- High levels do not always mean prostate cancer is present. PSA levels may be high if the prostate gland is enlarged (Reference benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH Opens New Window) or inflamed (Reference prostatitis Opens New Window).
- PSA levels above 8.0 ng/mL (or 8.0 mcg/L) may mean Reference prostate cancer Opens New Window. A Reference transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) Opens New Window and prostate biopsy are needed to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.
A follow-up test that measures free prostate-specific antigen (free PSA) may be used to see if a prostate biopsy should be done to check for cancer. Free PSA is prostate-specific antigen that is not attached to proteins in the blood. The lower a man's free PSA level, the more likely he is to develop prostate cancer.
|
Percent free PSA |
Probability of cancer |
|---|---|
|
More than 25%: |
8% |
|
20%–25%: |
16% |
|
15%–20%: |
20% |
|
10%–15%: |
28% |
|
0%–10%: |
56% |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 22, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
