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PSA
A protein of the prostate gland — a marker of prostate health in men. Rises with BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer; by itself it never makes the diagnosis.
Other names: PSA, Prostate-Specific AntigenSection: Tumor markers
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortPSA is a prostate gland protein and a marker of prostate health. A typical cut-off is up to 4.0 ng/mL (4.0 µg/L); for men 50 or younger, below 2.5 ng/mL (2.5 µg/L). It rises with BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer, and after cycling or a rectal exam — no diagnosis is made from PSA alone.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Men (typical cut-off)
up to 4.0 ng/mL (4.0 µg/L)
Men 50 or younger
below 2.5 ng/mL (2.5 µg/L)
The source states: a typical cut-off is up to 4.0 ng/mL (4.0 µg/L); for men in their 50s or younger the level should usually be below 2.5 ng/mL (2.5 µg/L), while older men often run slightly higher. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. Normally only a small amount reaches the blood; irritation, inflammation or growth of prostate tissue raises the level.
Key point: PSA is organ-specific but not cancer-specific. Benign enlargement (BPH), prostatitis, cycling, recent ejaculation and even a rectal exam all raise the level. The test is therefore a trigger for further urological evaluation, not a diagnosis: only a biopsy can confirm or exclude cancer.
When it is high
Benign prostatic hyperplasiaBPH is the most common cause of moderate PSA growth in men over 50.
ProstatitisProstate inflammation markedly raises the level; the test is repeated after treatment.
Prostate cancerSteady PSA growth over time is a reason for an MRI and a uro-oncology consult.
Mechanical factorsCycling, catheterization, rectal examination, ejaculation shortly before the test.
When it is low
Normal findingA low PSA is the expected result; a decrease has no clinical meaning.
BPH medication5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) roughly halve PSA — the doctor factors this in.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
CyclingRecent ejaculationRectal exam and prostate massageProstatitisFinasteride and dutasteride (lower it)
How to prepare
Blood from a vein. Avoid ejaculation, cycling and prostate massage for 24–48 hours; test no sooner than 1–2 weeks after a rectal exam, catheterization or cystoscopy. After prostatitis — following the treatment course. Tell your doctor about finasteride or dutasteride.
When a retest makes sense
For a borderline result — in 4–6 weeks with proper preparation; when monitoring BPH — on the urologist's schedule, usually every 6–12 months.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: urologist. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: PSAProstate-specific antigenTotal PSA
Units and conversion
Measured in: ng/mL
ng/mL=µg/L
µg/L = ng/mL (numerically identical). Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
No. A moderate rise is more often linked to BPH or prostatitis. The urologist will weigh your age, the trend, the free-to-total PSA ratio and, if needed, order a prostate MRI.
Should every man take the PSA test?
Screening is decided individually with a doctor after 45–50 (earlier with a family history of prostate cancer): the test has both benefits (early detection) and risks (unnecessary biopsies).
What is free PSA?
Part of the protein circulates bound, part unbound. The free-to-total ratio helps the urologist tell BPH from cancer at 'grey-zone' total PSA values.
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