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PSA Test Result Interpretation

See the Handy PSA Test Result Interpretation
Chart to Help You Make Sense of It All

You wouldn't take Brian Camboni, a 43 year old parts counter person, as a PSA testing crusader. But turns out he is. And isn't afraid to share his passion for health from annual prostate tests with others who may not be as in the know about the dangers of prostate cancer as he is.

"Ever since my Dad found out from a PSA antigen test that he had more than just swollen prostate problems I've become a believer," said Camboni. "And just in case, any prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures blood levels of certain proteins that are released by your prostate."

The American Cancer Society recommends men start having annual PSAs once they hit age 50. While African-Americans should start at age 45 (or earlier) since as a group they are prone to a higher prostate cancer rate. Annual testing is likely often enough.

"If men would just get their prostate checked every year and then simply chart and track what their PSA is doing themselves, they can really get a good read on things."

Good as that advice is you still need a point of reference don't you? You know something to compare to? Or numbers you can use to see how your PSA testing results stack up.

Just don't expect a simple go/no go cut off. Few things in life are black and white. But here are some guidelines that you might consider PSA testing by the numbers.

Most PSA levels are reported as as nanograms of antigen per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood.

Yet don't get hung up on the science. Just remember that typically you'd want your PSA test results to come back at less than 1 ng/mL as lower psa numbers are better than an elevated psa level. One study reported that the median PSA level for men in their 40s was 0.7. Another study found the median to be 0.6. So that's the first rule of thumb.

Otherwise you might refer to this helpful

PSA Test Result Interpretation Chart

» 0 - 2.5 ng/ml is considered low

» 2.6 - 10 ng/ml is slightly to moderately elevated level

» 10 - 19.9 ng/ml is moderately elevated. PSA 10 or greater could mean a 40-50% chance of cancer being present.

» 20 ng/ml or higher is significantly elevated

That gives you something to compare to okay? Obviously, anytime you're trying to measure prostate-specific antigen - lower is better.

In any case, anything below 2ng/ml and it is not likely you have anything to check out further. While a PSA reading above 10 ng/ml is abnormal. You can feel free to get a confirming test done. And if need be a follow up biopsy - as that's the only way to truly diagnose prostate cancer. The gray area, that lacks and hard and fast rules, are the numbers in the middle.

Camboni admitted, "Sure it's not perfect. But it is good at sounding the alarm. Even if sometimes it's a false positive. This is truly a case where too early is better than too late."

Then too this is not a DIY project. Which is probably one reason home test kits are available. You should be working with a medical professional with lots of experience who can help you to properly interpret the results.

Just remember that many cancer specialists now suspect that a high PSA level may be less significant than a sudden and sharp rise in PSA levels.

"I know guys aren't comfortable with anything dealing with the region down there - if you know what I mean." Camboni continued. "Still is reluctance or embarrassment on your part to get a PSA and DRE exam worth dying over?"