Lab test glossary · Other
PSA: what it means
Also known as: prostate-specific antigen
PSA is a protein made by the prostate, used in prostate-cancer screening and monitoring — best interpreted as a trend and with shared decision-making.
What it measures
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It can rise with prostate cancer but also with benign enlargement, inflammation, recent activity, or a recent exam — so an elevated PSA is a prompt for further conversation, not a diagnosis. Whether and when to screen is an individual decision to make with a clinician.
Typical range
There's no universal cutoff; a value under 4 ng/mL has traditionally been considered lower risk, but age, prostate size, and the rate of change all matter, and thresholds are debated.
Reference ranges differ between labs and are printed on your own report — always read your result against that range, not a general one.
What a high result can mean
- Benign prostatic enlargement (very common with age)
- Prostate inflammation or infection
- Recent ejaculation, cycling, or a prostate exam
- Prostate cancer
A high value is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis — many causes are benign or temporary.
What a low result can mean
- Some medications for prostate enlargement lower PSA
Why the trend matters
PSA velocity — how fast it's rising over time — is often more informative than a single number, which is exactly the kind of pattern a multi-year view makes visible.
When to talk to your doctor
Discuss PSA testing and any elevated or rising result with your doctor as part of a shared decision about screening.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal PSA level?
There's no universal cutoff; under 4 ng/mL has traditionally been considered lower risk, but age, prostate size, and how fast it's changing all matter, and thresholds are debated.
What can raise PSA besides cancer?
Benign prostate enlargement (common with age), inflammation or infection, and recent ejaculation, cycling, or a prostate exam can all raise PSA.
Should I get a PSA test?
Whether and when to screen is an individual decision to make with your doctor, weighing your age, risk factors, and preferences.
This page is general education about a common lab test — it isn’t medical advice and can’t interpret your specific result. What a value means depends on your history, symptoms, and the rest of your labs, which is a conversation for you and your clinician.