Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Free and Total
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made in the prostate gland. The PSA, Free and Total test measures the amount of PSA in the blood.
PSA is either bound or unbound (free) in the blood. Bound PSA is attached to other proteins; free PSA is not attached to other proteins.
Free PSA may be tested if your total PSA is within a certain range. Lower levels of free PSA may be found in prostate cancer, whereas higher levels of free PSA may be found in non-cancerous conditions of the prostate.
Elevated total PSA levels may be found in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostate cancer, and others. Total PSA may also be elevated due to certain medications or urologic procedures.
The PSA test is not diagnostic of cancer, and PSA test results should be followed up by a healthcare provider.