What is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)?
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein enzyme produced physiologically by normal epithelial cells lining the prostate ducts. Its natural biological role is to liquefy semen after ejaculation to facilitate sperm motility. Small amounts of PSA naturally leak into the general bloodstream, where they can be quantified via a simple venous blood sample.
NHS Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme (PCRMP)
Under current NHS guidelines in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, any man aged 50 or over is entitled to request a PSA blood test free of charge from their registered GP surgery following an informed discussion of the benefits and limitations.
Factors That Can Temporarily Elevate PSA Levels
It is important to appreciate that PSA is prostate-specific, not cancer-specific. Elevation above baseline can occur as a consequence of benign circumstances:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Larger prostate volume naturally synthesizes a higher total volume of PSA.
- Prostatitis or Urinary Tract Infection: Acute tissue inflammation causes transient spikes in serum PSA.
- Recent Ejaculation or Vigorous Cycling: Pelvic pressure or sexual activity within 48 hours prior to phlebotomy can artificially alter test numbers.
General Age-Adjusted Reference Ranges in the UK
| Age Bracket | Expected Baseline Range |
|---|---|
| 50 – 59 years | Less than 3.0 ng/ml |
| 60 – 69 years | Less than 4.0 ng/ml |
| 70+ years | Less than 5.0 ng/ml |
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