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Test Code LAB171 PSA, Total (Yearly Medicare Screen)

Collection:

Specimen: Blood 

Container: SST or Red Top.

Specimen Volume: 5 mL; Minimum 1 mL

 

Pediatric Collection:

One Gold or Red Top microtainer filled to 600 uL.

Stability:

Once serum is separated from cells:

 

Ambient: 8 Hours

Refrigerated (preferred): 72 Hours

Frozen: 2 Weeks

Turnaround Time (TAT):

STAT: 2 HOURS

Routine: 4 HOURS

Test Availability:

Daily / 24 Hours / Available STAT

Performing Laboratory Section:

Chemistry / UMC MAIN LABORATORY

Reference Interval:

< 4.00 ng/mL

Interpretive Data:

The Abbott Alinity I Immunoassay System (Chemiluminescense Technology) is used to perform this assay.  Reference range is adapted from Abbott method literature.  Results obtained by other manufacturers’ assays may be different and should not be interpreted interchangeably.

 

PSA has been used as a laboratory tool for monitoring patients with prostate cancer. When used in conjunction with a digital rectal exam, the PSA may assist in the detection of prostate cancer. Blood for PSA testing should be collected before manipulating the prostate to avoid false positive results. Interpretation of PSA levels should be considered together with other clinical and diagnostic information. PSA is tissue-specific rather than tumor-specific and it should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. The lack of specificity limits the usefulness of the test especially when values fall between 4 - 10 ng/mL, the indeterminate diagnostic range having a 75% false positive rate.