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What Does Free PSA And Total PSA Result Indicate?
Question: My total PSA result was a 3 but my Free PSA result was 6%. Is the Free PSA result valid/relevant with a total PSA below 4?
Brief Answer:
low free psa helps to determine if biopsy needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The PSA value as you correctly stated is within the range that is usually considered to be normal.
It is rare for a male to have prostate cancer with this level of PSA but though very rare, it can occur.
Free psa reflects the amount of PSA that is not attached. The levels are low, less than 10 %, in some males with prostatic cancer. It is normally done when the PSA is between 4 to 10 to help a doctor determine whether a biopsy is necessary.
The use of the free PSA in persons with normal PSA can help improve detection of any dangerous lesions.
Because the free PSA is low, it may be best to proceed to biopsy if your doctor suggests it. He or she would also base their decision based on your physical examination.The biopsy is the only definitive way to rule out any lesions.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
low free psa helps to determine if biopsy needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The PSA value as you correctly stated is within the range that is usually considered to be normal.
It is rare for a male to have prostate cancer with this level of PSA but though very rare, it can occur.
Free psa reflects the amount of PSA that is not attached. The levels are low, less than 10 %, in some males with prostatic cancer. It is normally done when the PSA is between 4 to 10 to help a doctor determine whether a biopsy is necessary.
The use of the free PSA in persons with normal PSA can help improve detection of any dangerous lesions.
Because the free PSA is low, it may be best to proceed to biopsy if your doctor suggests it. He or she would also base their decision based on your physical examination.The biopsy is the only definitive way to rule out any lesions.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your information. I just had the PSA/Free PSA test redone. My total PSA is 3.2 (consistent with other results) but my Free PSA is now at 12.8%. This considerably higher from my earlier test where my Free PSA was 6.3%. Can you offer any insight as to what would cause such a fluctuation? Is it possible the first test was done incorrectly? Just an FYI, there were 2 differences in circumstances as it relates to the two tests: 1. I did fast for the first test but not the second. 2. I started taking saw palmetto about a week before the second test. I'm not sure if any of those two items would have an affect on Free PSA. Thank you for your taking the time to review my question. I await your answer.
Brief Answer:
may be different lab techniques
Detailed Answer:
HI
The PSA is affected by different factors but not usually by dietary changes. There is laboratory variation and also slight variation in day to day values.
Normally fluctuations can occur with inflammation and infection, some medications (prostate related), sexual activity 24 hours prior. In many persons the change can be between 15 to 30 % .
One medical study with over 2000 men using two different lab techniques (hybritec acess and centaur) found a difference between the values obtained using the same sample.
It may be a different technique or machine used between the two samples.
The change in free psa is good.
please feel free to ask any other questions
may be different lab techniques
Detailed Answer:
HI
The PSA is affected by different factors but not usually by dietary changes. There is laboratory variation and also slight variation in day to day values.
Normally fluctuations can occur with inflammation and infection, some medications (prostate related), sexual activity 24 hours prior. In many persons the change can be between 15 to 30 % .
One medical study with over 2000 men using two different lab techniques (hybritec acess and centaur) found a difference between the values obtained using the same sample.
It may be a different technique or machine used between the two samples.
The change in free psa is good.
please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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