تعريف
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate. Prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men that makes a fluid for semen.
Most PSA is released into semen. Some of it is released into the blood. If there is a problem with the prostate, the PSA level in the blood can become elevated.
أسباب الاختبار
The PSA test is used to:
- Monitor treatment effectiveness for prostate cancer
- Help determine if cancer has returned in men who have already been treated for prostate cancer
- Test for other conditions, like prostatitis, or benign prostatic hyperplasia
The PSA test may also be used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. However, this use is controversial. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the PSA test, and your personal risk factors for prostate cancer.
المضاعفات المحتملة
There are no major complications associated with this test.
ما يمكن توقعه
قبل الاختبار
- Ejaculation can cause PSA levels to rise. Avoid sexual activity for 24 hours before testing.
- Some procedures can elevate PSA levels. Schedule your PSA test several weeks after any of these:
- Any prostate surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate
- Prostate biopsy
- Rectal exam
- Prostate massage
- تنظير المثانة
- Wait several weeks after successful treatment of prostate infections.
- Some medicines can lower PSA levels. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
- Finasteride
- Dutasteride
وصف الاختبار
You will be asked to sit. An area inside your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. A large band will be tied around your arm. The needle will then be inserted into a vein. A tube will collect the blood from the needle. The band on your arm will be removed. Once all the blood is collected, the needle will be removed. Some gauze will be placed over the site to help stop bleeding. You may also be given a bandage to place over the site.
بعد الاختبار
After the blood sample is collected, you may need to stay seated for 10-15 minutes. If you are lightheaded, you may need to stay seated longer. Once you feel better, you can leave.
كم من الوقت سيستغرق ؟
The process takes about 5-10 minutes.
هل ستسبب الالم؟
It may be uncomfortable when the needle pierces your skin.
نتائج
The results are usually available in a few days to a week. Your doctor will talk to you about your results.
If your PSA level is slightly elevated, but there are no other reasons to suspect prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend closely following your PSA levels.
If your PSA level is too high, has risen significantly, or the doctor notices a lump during a digital rectal exam, you will probably need to schedule other tests, such as a prostate biopsy.
استدعاء الطبيب
بعد الاختبار ، اتصل بطبيبك إذا حدث أي مما يلي:
- Bleeding from the puncture site
- Red, swollen, or painful puncture site
- If you have not heard from your doctor in 1-2 weeks