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Free and Total PSA Information

The PSA levels can be measured by checking both the free and total PSA levels.

Why is the PSA test considered to be so important?

According to Adam Hensler, "The PSA test is one of the simplest ways to detect the presence of cancer in the prostate gland. In addition, the PSA test is extremely useful also because it can be used to detect the symptoms of any other ailment of the prostate gland."

Unlike most guys, Adam is on top of this stuff. He has made an effort to learn about PSA numbers, how they’re determined and what they may mean. Even the arcane stuff like what do free psa numbers mean relative to prostate cancer. But that’s because his father died of prostate cancer. And Adam doesn’t want to leave himself to the same fate.

Hensler pointed out, “Basically PSA or prostate specific antigen levels are checked using a simple blood test to determine the presence of any prostate problem.”

"The amount of P.S.A. produced by your prostate gland might vary from the norm due to a number of factors such as age and disease,” Adam explained. “If you have been undergoing PSA testing every year for the past five years, and your PSA level shows a sudden jump in value, it is likely that you have some kind of problem developing in your prostate. One you’re be wise to get checked out.."

Adam went on, “But it goes without saying that you have to get the DRE and PSA blood tests done annually to have the track record to compare against. Which is something most of my friends resist. You’d think I was asking them to attend a Tupper Ware party or baby shower or something,” he added with a sigh and a shake of his head.

One condition of the prostate gland that could result in an increase in PSA levels might be prostate enlargement. Or BPH for short.

"Most guys wrongly expect the worst. They immediately jump to the conclusion it’s prostate cancer when they see a change in their free and total PSA," said Hensler. "But the change is just as likely to be due to the relatively harmless condition known as enlargement of the prostate."

Another unfortunate fact is free and total PSA testing vary in their accuracy in predicting a problem.

"The free PSA test is considered to be more accurate than checking the total PSA levels," Hensler agreed. "In a free PSA test, you want to see higher levels of free PSA whereas in the other case, a lower level of total PSA indicates good prostate health. And it’s easy to confuse the two. But if the free PSA level drops or the total PSA level rises, then you need to have further testing done to verify the findings. Which may well include a prostrate biopsy."