How to prepare
Several activities can temporarily elevate PSA and should be avoided for 48–72 hours before your blood draw:
- Ejaculation
- Vigorous cycling or exercise
- Urinary tract infection or prostate infection (testing should be deferred until resolved)
- Prostate examination (digital rectal examination) or prostate biopsy: defer PSA testing for at least 2–4 weeks after any such procedure
- Urinary catheterisation
Finasteride and dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors used for prostate conditions) significantly lower PSA. Inform your practitioner if you take these, as the reference range interpretation changes.
After the test
Share your result with your GP. A single PSA measurement provides a baseline. If elevated or rising, your GP may arrange a repeat test, prostate imaging (multiparametric MRI), or refer to a urologist. An elevated PSA alone does not mean a biopsy is needed. Your GP will assess the broader picture including your age, family history, and urinary symptoms.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
PSA is measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). Age-specific reference ranges are used, as PSA naturally rises with age. Your result report includes the reference range that applies to your sample, and your practitioner can explain what your number means in your context.
Reference thresholds are guides, not absolutes. PSA velocity (rate of change over time), PSA density (PSA relative to prostate volume), and free-to-total PSA ratio all add further information when PSA is elevated.
Note on 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These medications lower PSA by approximately 50%. A practitioner should double the measured value to estimate the true PSA when a patient is on these drugs.