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Post Surgery PSA Increase

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Posted 7/5/2013 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
My one month post surgery was less than .02. I just received my three month post surgery PSA and it is less than .10. I have an appointment with my uro next week but was wondering what some of the experts here think. I'm concerned that it increased that much.
Posted 7/5/2013 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
aljct,

Just to be sure, your first PSA was reported as "<0.02" and your recent one as "<0.10" is that right?

If so those are the same number as read by different labs. They both are read as "undetectable". The number tells you about the machine they use. The first one reads

Undetectable on a machine that can detect levels of 0.02 and above.

The second one is

Undetectable on a machine that can detect levels of 0.10 and above.

Neither lab could detect your PSA. There is no reason to think it has gone up.

Edited to correct the typo that RobertC pointed out. OOPS...
Posted 7/5/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
You need to find out if both tests were done at the same lab using the same method. The ultrasenstive test can measure very low numbers while some labs use equipment that can only measure down to .1.

So it's possible that if the test type or lab changed that you've got nothing to worry about. If the machine they did the last test on can only do down to .1 then the .02 of the ultrasensitive test would be reported as >.1 even though your PSA hasn't changed.

It's likely you're fine and have nothing to worry about but do get the Uro to confirm the results and ask that they always use the same lab/test method for you. Post treatment the over all trend of the PSA is what you need to look at and changing testing methods confuses the numbers.

All the best,
Andrew

Post Edited (InTheShop) : 7/5/2013 11:40:25 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/5/2013 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thx, Andrew and Peter. I will ask about whether different labs were used.
Posted 7/5/2013 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, <.02 and <,1 might be the same thing in different tests. Peter, do you have the greater than symbol in your comment?
Posted 7/5/2013 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
RobertC,

Not anymore!*

*to be read with a Peter Sellers French accent.
Posted 7/9/2013 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
I have great news! The woman who gave me my PSA reading on the phone screwed up. She gave me the acceptable PSA range for someone who had undergone RP, I.e., <.10 instead of MY actual PSA of <.02. So, anyway, I'm still in the Zero Club and I think I'll have a beer to celebrate too!
Posted 7/9/2013 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Set 'em up and congratulations!

Here's to many more zeros.

All the best,
Andrew
Posted 7/9/2013 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thx for your support, Andrew. Enjoy your time "in the shop."
Posted 7/9/2013 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
At least your nurse knew the acceptable range for post op test. She just got a little creative, didn't realize you are a HW member and would spark it out.
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