Prostate Testing
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What is a Prostate Test?
While Prostate tests can involve testing for a number of other factors, they typically involve testing male patients for prostatitis or levels of prostate specific antigen, otherwise known as PSA. Prostatitis is swelling and tenderness of the prostate gland. It is a common problem in men. The prostate gland is a doughnut-shaped gland located between the base of the penis and the bladder. The average prostate is about the size of a small peach. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube through which urine and semen pass. The prostate makes the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm. There are 3 types of prostatitis:
- acute bacterial prostatitis
- chronic prostatitis
- nonbacterial prostatitis
Who May Need a Prostate Test?
Anyone experiencing the symptoms specific to these conditions, or those who have a history with the conditions, would benefit from having a Prostate test performed. These include:
Prostatitis
The swelling and tenderness is often caused by a bacterial infection.
- Usually the bacteria come from other infected parts of the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys.
- The bacteria may spread to the prostate through the urethra after sex with someone who is infected.
- The bacteria can also be spread to the prostate through the bloodstream.
Prostate Specific Antigen
PSA circulates in a man's blood. Normal levels, which increase with age, have been determined. The PSA blood serum test shows whether the amount of PSA in your blood is in the normal range. Not all health care providers agree about the value of the PSA blood test and whether it should be done routinely for men over a certain age. However, the American Cancer Society suggests that health care providers should offer a yearly PSA blood test and rectal exam to men age 50 or older. If you are at increased risk for prostate cancer (for example, if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer), your health care provider may recommend starting screening earlier than age 50.
What Should I Expect from My Prostate Test?
Your Prostate test begins by having a blood sample drawn by a healthcare professional which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Some tests, particularly panels, may require a patient to fast anywhere from 10-12 hours prior to taking a test, and may include avoiding any medications which might affect the results. You will be required to avoid ejaculating 24 hours before your test as well as giving a urine sample in the morning hours as part of the test. These tests typically have a common reference range for each laboratory, though your physician may have different indicators for you and your situation. Once you receive your results, speak with your doctor to see how they concern you and your health specifically.
FAQ
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What is prostate testing?
Prostate-specific antigen, also known as PSA, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It helps your body fight off infections. If there is too much PSA in your blood, it can be a sign of something being wrong with your prostate. An increased level of PSA doesn't always mean you have cancer, but it can suggest that you might need further testing to determine a diagnosis.
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When is it important to start prostate testing?
Men should start regular prostate cancer testing after age 40. It is important to examine the prostate regularly because it is often difficult to detect cancer symptoms until it has progressed into a serious condition. Regular screening can help avoid this problem by identifying early symptoms such as blood in the urine or increased urination at night.
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How effective is prostate cancer testing?
The prostate-specific antigen is an effective cancer testing method. Prostate-specific antigen is an enzyme that is made by the prostate. This enzyme leaks into the blood and can be measured through a blood test. High levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood may suggest that a man has prostate cancer or other problems with their prostate gland, and should speak to a doctor for further testing or treatment.
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Do I need to visit a doctor?
Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.
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How do I get my results?
You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.
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Does my lab prescription expire?
We're the only lab that honors your lab order forever.