psa blood test
Noun: A PSA blood test is a medical laboratory analysis of a blood sample that specifically measures the concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced almost exclusively by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA in the bloodstream can be an indicator of prostate conditions.
The term is used to refer to the specific diagnostic procedure itself. It is a compound noun where "PSA" (an initialism for Prostate-Specific Antigen) modifies "blood test" to specify the type of test. - The doctor recommended a PSA blood test as part of the routine screening. - A rising result on a PSA blood test may prompt further investigation, such as a biopsy.
- To have/get a PSA blood test: This phrase describes undergoing the procedure.
- All men over 50 should discuss having a PSA blood test with their physician.
- PSA blood test results/levels: This refers to the numerical outcome of the test.
- His PSA blood test results were within the normal range.
- PSA test: A common shortened form with the same meaning.
- Prostate-specific antigen test: The full term for which PSA is the initialism.
- Prostate cancer screening: A broader term that often includes the PSA blood test as a primary tool.
- Prostate-specific antigen assay: A more technical synonym.
- PSA assay: A clinical synonym often used in laboratory contexts.
It is critical to understand that while a PSA blood test is a key tool in screening for prostate cancer, an elevated PSA level is not diagnostic of cancer. Levels can also be raised by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. The test is therefore typically one part of a broader diagnostic process.
- a blood test that measures levels of a protein called prostate specific antigen that is manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; men with prostate problems usually have elevated levels of PSA