PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen, Total) in New Town, Kolkata
At Pure Bliss Healthcare Centre, Action Area 2, New Town.
What the PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen, Total) measures
Prostate specific antigen is a protein made by the prostate gland, and a small amount normally circulates in the blood of every man. The level tends to rise when the gland is enlarged, inflamed or affected by cancer, which is why PSA is used both in screening and in following known prostate disease. It is important to be clear about what a raised result does and does not mean: benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, a urinary infection, a recent catheter, vigorous cycling and even recent ejaculation all raise PSA, and many men with a raised value turn out to have no cancer. Equally, a normal PSA does not exclude it. The value is most useful read in context — your age, the size of the gland on examination, urinary symptoms, and the trend across repeated tests rather than a single figure. Most men considering this test should discuss the benefits and limitations of screening with a doctor first.
Who this test is for
- Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer
- Difficulty passing urine, a weak stream, or getting up repeatedly at night
- Monitoring known benign prostatic enlargement
- Follow-up after treatment for prostate disease
How to prepare, and when to expect the report
Preparation
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours and vigorous cycling for 48 hours before the test, as both raise PSA. Postpone the test for at least six weeks after a prostate biopsy, and let us know about any recent catheterisation, urinary infection or rectal examination.
Reporting time
Within 24 hours.
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PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen, Total) — common questions
Booking, preparation and reporting for the PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen, Total) at Action Area 2, New Town.
Does a raised PSA mean I have cancer?
No. An enlarged prostate, infection, inflammation, a recent catheter, cycling and recent ejaculation all raise PSA, and most raised results are not cancer. Your doctor will interpret it alongside an examination, your symptoms and, where useful, a repeat test.
How long should I wait after a prostate biopsy?
At least six weeks. A biopsy inflames the gland and raises PSA substantially, so a test taken sooner will not reflect your baseline.
At what age should men start testing?
Discussion usually begins around age 50, or 45 where there is a family history of prostate cancer. It is a decision worth making with a doctor rather than by default, because screening has real benefits and real drawbacks.
Is fasting needed for a PSA test?
No fasting is required. The activity restrictions in the preparation notes matter far more to the accuracy of this test than food does.