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Which Labs Test to Hundreths for PSA

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Posted 12/28/2015 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I work for LabCorp, and so, get my PSA tests free. However, they only
test to tenths.

Which Labs test to hundred (ths) ??
Posted 12/28/2015 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Check with your urologist. The important thing is once you have settled on a lab stick with it...
Posted 12/28/2015 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
My urologist's practice transferred their blood testing to Quest a year or so ago. The lab is capable of doing either a test to tenths to hundredths, but how the requesting doctor's office codes the lab form is critical. I've had two tests that had to be re-done because the front-desk staff put the wrong code on the form. The lab will only do the test specified on the form.

Jim
Posted 12/28/2015 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
You have to tell the doctor that you want the "ultra-sensitive test". Generally he needs a good reason to specify this more expensive test since the insurance companies will only pay for the standard PSA test. If you had PCa, then he certainly has justification. Most family doctors (GP's) never heard of the ultra-sensitive test so you really must inform them and advocate getting that test for yourself.

Then there is the lab where they take the blood....There is a special protocol and special vials (I believe without preservatives) that are used to collect the blood specimen. You must be sure that the lab person knows that this is the ultra-sensitive test and make sure that they look up the correct procedure.

And with all of my instructions and diligence, they still screw up and I get the regular (tenths) test half of the time!

Bill K. from NJ
Posted 12/28/2015 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
DOUBLHH,

This is from the PSA test menu at LabCorp and should help to get the right test ordered:

010322 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)
480772 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Free:Total Ratio Reflex
480947 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Free:Total Ratio
140731 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Ultrasensitive
140674 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Complexed
480145 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) (Serial Monitor)
480780 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Free:Total Ratio (Serial Monitor)
480640 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Free:Total Ratio Reflex (Serial Monitor)
140723 Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Ultrasensitive (Serial Monitor)
004747 Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP)
485235 Prostate Cancer Profile II (Serial Monitor)

It sounds like you've been getting the standard PSA (010322), but want the ultrasensitive (140731).
Posted 12/28/2015 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone...and TimG I'll print this and take it with me on my semi-annual to Uro in FEB..

I appreciate everyone's comments...
Posted 12/28/2015 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
DOUBLHH, Quest tests to 1/100ths, bu you have to request the POST PROSTATECTOMY TEST. Code is 14808X. (I cannot freaking believe i have that memorized. My life must really be crap)

I'm giving you the information but not necessarily recommending Quest, if you can find another lab to do it. I had a bad experience with them, big lab error, and despite speaking with very high up people, never got an explanation. They themselves did not know what happened, which is very troubling.
Posted 12/29/2015 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Uy"I work for LabCorp, and so, get my PSA tests free. However, they only
test to tenths.

Which Labs test to hundred (ths) ??
Gleason 3+4=7
DX - 9/12 DaVinci February2013 (robotic) Age68 CONE HOSP G'boroNC
EST Proportion%5% Both Lobes EXT ext.s NO InvolApex NO Margins FREE SEM Vesicles FREE
TNM code : pT2c, pNX
Comments: extensive PNI by tumor
Trimix for ED No natural Erections, yet Don't think nerves spared Pyronies from trimix"

Labcorp does do the ultasensitive test. Just had mine done at the end of November. If you go to their website it is described as being intended for those previously treated for PC, not prior to treatment. They also have the option of tracking the results over time.

https://www.labcorp.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/hYxLDoIwFADPwgHMey1YYKkCFSMPmoJp2RBMjMHIZ2FEby8XUDPLyQzUsDC0z-7aPrpxaO9goBaNCgQpThyDjCfIXbHF9S5mKMXi7XeP-Kem_dhfwELtN1XsaZaGLuZSc0y1m3vESYgAoQSDXqNv7-lw1P6rJFlQJOcsqmbMQnZKVLzZmnOhrbO87M_X1JuZrZTzASPIT-Q!/dl2/d1/L0lJWW9LVVEhL0lCaEFDRW9BQkFEQ3dxSUFCQXchL1lJNTBzdXlsd0EhIS83X1VFNFMxSTkzME9HUzIwSVMzTzROMk42NjgwL3NlYXJjaEJ5S2V5d29yZA!!/?criterion=Psa&x=38&y=17

Post Edited (JoeInBucks) : 12/28/2015 6:00:46 PM (GMT-7)
Posted 12/29/2015 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
we've discussed this in here from time to time. The key point seems to be to make sure that you do your sampling and testing consistently. Same protocol, same lab, same everything reduces the bias.
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