What does PSA stand for?

PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen — a protein produced by prostate cells. The PSA blood test measures how much is in your blood. It is used to investigate prostate symptoms and, in some men, as an early detection tool for prostate cancer after an informed discussion with a GP.

Does a high PSA mean I have prostate cancer?

No. A raised PSA can be caused by many things besides cancer — including an enlarged prostate (BPH), prostatitis, recent ejaculation, cycling, or urinary tract infection. Your GP will interpret your PSA alongside your symptoms, age, trend over time, and clinical findings.

Should I fast before a PSA test?

Fasting is not required for PSA. However, to avoid false elevations, avoid ejaculation and vigorous cycling for 48 hours before the test, and don't have the test within a week of a UTI or prostate examination.

Is PSA testing recommended in Australia?

Australia does not have a national PSA screening program for asymptomatic men. The RACGP recommends shared decision-making — a conversation with your GP about whether PSA testing is right for you, given your age, family history, symptoms, and personal preferences.

What Is a PSA Test? — Prostate Blood Test Explained

📋 Sources: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) — Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice (Red Book) 2024. Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) — PSA Testing Policy. Cancer Council Australia — Prostate Cancer Screening. This page provides general information only — not medical advice. PSA testing decisions are individualised and best discussed with your GP.

What the PSA test measures

PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen. It is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. A small amount of PSA is normally present in the blood. The PSA test measures this level.

PSA is not specific to prostate cancer. It is produced by all prostate cells — whether healthy, enlarged, inflamed, or cancerous. Many things can raise PSA besides cancer.

Common causes of raised PSA include:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate, which is very common in men over 50
Prostatitis — inflammation or infection of the prostate
Recent ejaculation (within 48 hours of the test)
Recent vigorous cycling or prostate examination
Urinary tract infection
Prostate cancer

Why your GP ordered it

GPs order PSA in several situations:

A man presents with urinary symptoms — difficulty starting, weak stream, frequent urination, or nocturia (waking to urinate)
Early detection testing in men who request it after informed discussion with their GP about the benefits and limitations
Monitoring men with known prostate cancer or previously elevated PSA
Follow-up after prostate cancer treatment

In Australia, PSA testing for asymptomatic men is not part of the national cancer screening program. The RACGP recommends shared decision-making — a conversation between you and your GP about whether testing is right for you, weighing the potential benefits and harms.

What the test involves

The PSA test is a blood test. To get the most accurate result, your GP may advise you to:

Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the test
Avoid vigorous cycling in the 48 hours before the test
Not have the test within a week of a urinary tract infection or prostate examination

The test is a standard blood draw. No fasting is required. Results are usually available within 24–48 hours.

Australian laboratory context

In Australia, PSA is measured in µg/L (micrograms per litre), which is equivalent to ng/mL used in the US. The same numerical values apply.

There is no single PSA level that definitively indicates or rules out cancer. Interpretation involves considering your age, PSA trend over time (PSA velocity), prostate size, and clinical findings. Your GP will discuss what your result means in your specific situation. Medicare also sets rules on how often PSA can be repeated — GPs can check these on the re-testing frequency guide.

The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) and RACGP provide guidance on PSA testing thresholds and follow-up pathways for Australian men.

Your GP will interpret your results in the context of your full medical history, your symptoms, your medications, and any previous results. A result outside the reference range does not automatically mean something is wrong, and a result within range does not always mean there is no problem. Always discuss your results with your GP or the clinician who ordered the test.