What is it?
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is an examination that falls under the category of tumor markers. These substances are produced by normal cells of the body at some level. When “new” cells appear, then their more intense metabolism produces these substances at elevated levels.
Young cells can be a result of:
- Tissue regeneration after some destruction – inflammation
- Development of new differentiated pathological or non-pathological tissue
Where Used
The PSA test is recommended for ppprostate cancer
- Used in preventive and early detection screening.
- Employed in the follow-up of neoplastic diseases and assessing the effectiveness of corresponding treatments.
Reference Values – Normal Laboratory Ranges
Indicative PSA Levels for Adults (Ages 18-65):
< Age 49: < 2.50
Ages 50-59: < 4.00
Ages 60-69:< 5.00
>Age 70: < 6.50
Evaluation is done exclusively by the clinical urologist, as the test is significantly influenced by:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (consistently elevated levels)
- Acute or chronic prostatitis can give false values (unstable high levels)
The use of the test as a tumor marker in such cases is often significantly limited.
Simple blood draw at any time of the day, without the need for food preparation or medication avoidance.
Limitations:
- Measurement after 3 days of abstinence from sexual activity
- Measurement after 3 days from the last clinical examination or prostate massage
- no restrictions on food from the previous day
- without restrictions on possible medication intake
- the result is not affected by any existing transient illness – cold
- Result the same day after 6:00 PM for samples taken before 11:00 AM.
Private Cost for Individual Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen PSA): 15 euros*
The examination is prescribed at the EOPYY**, with the participation of the examinee as defined in the referral (15%, unless otherwise stated)
*25% discount applies when participating in Check Up
e – Booking via Doctor Anytime at: Cardiologist – Neurologist– Diagnostic Tests
Informative Blogs: checkup.com.gr – nosileftis24.gr– syntagografisis.gr – testcovid.gr
Biopathology Diagnostic Center – Athens | Medical Center Check Up Medicus | Checkup – Allergy Test – Blood Tests – Prices – Cost – Covid-19 Test | EOPYY.
Panormou Diagnostic Center 40, Ampelokipoi | Diagnostic Center Alexandra Avenue 110 | Diagnostic Center Prykiponnision 24, Gyzi Polygono Kypseli
At Check-Up Medicus you can come for a blood draw without an appointment
The PSA checkup is an important examination used to evaluate prostate health. PSA is a protein primarily produced by the cells of the prostate gland and can be found in the blood. PSA testing can detect potential prostate health issues such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
PSA testing is part of the established screening process for prostate health and is typically included in annual health checkups for men over the age of 50. For men at higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer or black men, PSA testing may begin at a younger age.
A PSA checkup can aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring of prostate health problems. While high PSA levels may indicate health issues, including the presence of prostate cancer, other factors should be considered before taking further action. Many factors can influence PSA levels, such as age, personal health history, normal PSA fluctuations with age, and the use of certain medications.
The PSA checkup is typically conducted through a simple blood test, with the blood sample sent to a laboratory for analysis. Although the PSA test is useful, other tests and factors must be considered to reach a comprehensive assessment of prostate health. Discussing the results and the best management plan with your doctor is crucial for optimal prostate health.
