What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your PAP levels mean for your prostate health and cancer status. These notes include guidance on whether your levels indicate successful treatment, stable remission, or potential disease activity that warrants follow-up. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your PAP levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for monitoring treatment effectiveness and detecting early signs of recurrence.

When will I get my results?

Your results will be available within 5 business days after the lab receives your sample. This turnaround time allows for precise laboratory analysis of your PAP levels. You'll be notified via email as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is primarily for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are undergoing treatment or monitoring for recurrence. It's especially useful if you've had surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone treatment and need to track whether your cancer is responding. Men with elevated PSA levels or those in remission from prostate cancer may also use this test as part of comprehensive surveillance.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

This test isn't typically used for initial diagnosis but rather for monitoring known prostate cancer. However, if you're experiencing new or worsening urinary symptoms, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue after prostate cancer treatment, your doctor may order this test to check for disease recurrence or progression. Men with previously treated prostate cancer who notice changes in their health should discuss PAP testing with their oncologist.

What does elevated PAP mean?

Elevated PAP levels typically indicate active prostate cancer, disease progression, or cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. If you're currently receiving treatment, rising PAP levels may suggest the therapy isn't working as effectively as hoped. In men who were previously in remission, increasing PAP can be an early warning sign of cancer recurrence before symptoms appear.

What does low or normal PAP mean?

Low or normal PAP levels are a positive sign, especially if you're being treated for prostate cancer. Normalizing PAP after treatment usually indicates that therapy has been successful in controlling or eliminating the cancer. Consistently low levels during follow-up suggest you remain in remission with no detectable disease activity.

How often should I retest my PAP levels?

If you're actively being treated for prostate cancer, your oncologist will likely recommend testing every 1-3 months to monitor treatment response. Once you're in remission, testing frequency may decrease to every 3-6 months for the first few years, then annually if you remain stable. The exact schedule depends on your cancer stage, treatment type, and individual risk factors, so follow your healthcare provider's specific recommendations.