Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Serum

Test ID: 

703100

CPT code:

84153

Synonyms:

PSA, Serum

Clinical Use:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by the epithelial cells lining the prostatic ducts and acini. Normally, it is secreted into the prostatic ducts and is present only in prostate tissue, prostatic fluid, and seminal plasma. PSA is produced by normal, hyperplastic, and cancerous prostatic tissue. PSA is used as a tumor marker for the early detection of prostate cancer and in other areas of prostate disease management.1 The Prostate-Specific Antigen Best Practice Statement: 2009 Update published by the American Urologic Association1 describes the use of PSA testing for:

• The evaluation of men at risk for prostate cancer

• Assistance in pretreatment staging

• Risk assessment posttreatment monitoring

• Use as a guide in management of men who recur after primary or secondary therapy

Specimen Type:

Serum

Requested Volume: 

0.8 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.3 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Collection:

If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Rejection Criteria:

Plasma or whole blood specimen; hemolysis.