Prostate-specific antigen; Prostate cancer screening test
Normal Values
Normal values vary with age. Older men typically have slightly higher PSA measurements than younger men. African-Americans normally have slightly higher values than white men.
A PSA of 4 ng/ml is abnormally high for most men and may indicate the need for further evaluation with a prostate biopsy. Keep in mind that although PSA testing is an important tool for detecting prostate cancer, it is not foolproof.
Also, a high PSA level does not confirm the presence of cancer. It only identifies patients at higher risk of having prostate cancer. These patients at higher risk may require further diagnostic testing such as a prostate biopsy.
Note: ng/ml = nanograms per milliliter
What abnormal results mean
Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:
-
Benign prostatic hypertrophy - Prostate cancer
- Prostatitis
- Prostate infarction
- Urinary tract infection
- Recent urinary catheterization
- Recent urinary tract operation







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