HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Unexpected PSA

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/24/2013 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
I have had good results with PSA tests using my Urologist.

My Primary Care Physicians office draws their own blood

,and use a different lab.  She mentioned that my PSA was good

at .03.  Oh no, I went from a .1 to a .3, oh wait that was undetectable

.1 to a .03.  I think I'm now hooked on that extra digit.  Anyone out

there have a .03 for an extended period of time ?

 

Posted 1/24/2013 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
I've been <.01 for over four years.

Three months ago my GP's lab came back at <.06

This week it's back to <.01 with my URO...

Different labs - different results usually equal the same thing.
Posted 1/24/2013 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Take a look at my signature below.

I think a .03 is still quite low, but in my eyes, it certainly is not truly "undectable." However, that .03 reading could be noise that can be introduced at the lower limits of these tests. But then again, it may not.

Yes, an ultrasensitive PSA test can and does result in tension and stress, but I personally am of the opinion that I would prefer to know what's going on as soon as possible, rather than waiting until a PSA reading exceeds the level of standard tests that go down to .1.

If I was in your case, I would insist on ultra-sensitive PSA testing every three months so you can monitor what's happening. That is, if anything is really happening at all.
Posted 1/24/2013 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
HDrider, Doesn't a < .03 mean that .03 is the lowest that machine can detect. And a < .01 is the lowest that machine can detect. If someone had a less than .03 on a .01 detectable machine isn't he getting gyped.
I mean if you use a lab that detects down to .01 and they give your results as < .03, why are they doing that.
They should give you what is less than .03 down to '01, there dectatable limit i.e., .02 or .01, then <.01 if applicable . In other words HDrider, you could in reality have a .02 or .01 or < .01 Im ignoring 3 decimal point machines here. Where is my thinking wrong here and why , though detailed , it is detailed in an orderly fashion, are you not per suing this.If you are worried about a < .03 find a lab that detects down to , .01 and see what it shows. elementary my dear watson, however tedious. Why worry when the facts are available with a little diligence. accept the advice in the spirit in which it is given. or show me my error. I thrive on correction it is how I learn …..
Posted 1/24/2013 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
congrats, sag, couldn't even imagine having a psa reading that low, that has never happened remotely to me in my journey, enjoy that good feeling

david
Posted 1/25/2013 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
HD rider sorry i got sag and your post mixed up. sorry If I came off in a didactic manner. google it I had to after Peterdisaberlard used it in a post yesterday. Im glad I went thru that exercise tho, it may help a newbie in understanding ultra thanks in advance for your graciousness.
Posted 1/25/2013 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, good input.

Now I need to see the lab report instead of told.

Is it 0.03 or is it <0.03 we will see.

Found out some tests the bottom limit is .03 so they list it

as <0.03, when its lower.

Posted 1/25/2013 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
zero club membership granted
Posted 1/25/2013 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Record my vote for zero club.

Wait, already approved...

Congratulations!
Andrew
Posted 1/25/2013 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
HD rider - anything <0.10 is classified as undetectable and therefore "zero club" status ( as per my doctor/surgeon/urologist).

-the two labs I dealt with had 0.05 and 0.02 as their lowest reading - undetectable - zero - ( there is no such thing as an absolute zero).

-enjoy.

Bronson
Posted 1/25/2013 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
At one time my lab used to report 3 digits after the decimal point. I used to get .004. Now they just report <.01.
Posted 1/25/2013 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
The lowest my lab results go is <.05. I like that because it eliminates the anxiety with the number bouncing between say .01 than .03 than back to .01. As long as it stays below <.05, I'm a happy camper. Hopkins calls that undetectable. Who am I to agrue with them. :-)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply