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Cause for concern??? Probably not! Opinions?

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Posted 8/17/2016 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
For 3 years my psa was always >0.05. For the last 6 months it came back as >0.02 Today it came back as >0.05 again. Obviously it is lower than the test will show so I am sure it is nothing to worry about but..... I know you guys understand. What do you guys really think???
Posted 8/18/2016 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
My initial thought is that the lab used the ultra sensitive test the last couple times and switched back on this one. Not sure why they would do that but I am curious as to what you guys think
Posted 8/18/2016 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
I think you meant "<" which means "less than," but you wrote ">" which means "greater than." The "<" symbol means that the true value is less than that value. It is a limitation of the test kit and procedures of that lab and tells you nothing about what the true value actually was.

- Allen
Posted 8/18/2016 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with your thought. Different equipment reading psa at a different low level. Whether < 0.02 or <0.05, the result is that your psa is undetectable, and that its level cannot be picked up on the equipment. Therefore, a test of <0.05 could be at the same level as <0.02, if detectability were to 3 decimal places. No need to worry unless the less than sign (<) is no longer present on a test.
Posted 8/18/2016 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Northfoot. I have been doing so well for so long while others have not that I guess I keep wondering when the sky is going to fall.
Posted 8/18/2016 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Todd, i do the test at the same hospital lab, each time. Sometimes they report <.02, other times 0.00.Not quite the same thing i know, but the point is, when i asked about it, i think i recall being told that there are two different machines, or two different assays, and that is why. Could be a similar situation. Further, i think as long as that < shows up, you are good to go.
Posted 8/18/2016 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Sucks that the lab can't be consistent.

Nothing worse than unreliable tests results.

Hang in there and TA is right, the lab is doing weird stuff,
Andrew
Posted 8/18/2016 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. Gonna pop a couple of Benadryl tonight. Didn't sleep a wink last night and have to pull a 16 hour shift
Posted 8/18/2016 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
P.S. Sorry TA I am really really tired
Posted 8/18/2016 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
They are all from ultrasensitive tests.

- Allen

Post Edited (Tall Allen) : 8/17/2016 7:33:58 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/18/2016 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
I am going to delete the post TA. It has just been a really long day and I still have 4 hours to go. I wasn't even suppose to get a psa. I didn't know they drew it until I got the email this afternoon. FYI you rarely respond to anything I post anyway so that's okay but I shouldn't have been rude I am just in a tude
Posted 8/18/2016 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
No worries. I edited mine as well.

- Allen
Posted 8/18/2016 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I know you are all correct. Sometimes I really feel like chicken little. It's a little Un-nerving
Posted 8/18/2016 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
Todd,
The sky is not falling. All is as it should be and in good hands. We all know that ol PSA of yours is <less than anything...and you are > > greater than you think you are. Stop doing those 16 hrs shifts and get more rest!!! Most of all, keep the Faith, Bro

Dan

Post Edited (Wings of Eagles) : 8/18/2016 11:38:11 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/18/2016 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Todd1963,

As my doctors says, down in those undetectable levels that you have been experiencing --- it is so GREAT to have undetectable levels ... the downside is that any little fluctuation causes each fellow some worry and distress.

At Mayo Clinic, they simply report at 0.10, and not below that ---

At my regular clinic, they DO use the ultra-sensitive test, so that's when one sees the "static" and "noise" and "fluctuation" of those decimal values that fall BELOW 0.10 ... there's a little miniature "roller coaster" of emotions that exists below that 0.10 level, unfortunately.

Stay on course --- you've been doing great --- my oncologist reminds me to expect some "static" between those decimal levels --- day to day --- and test to test.

I'll do my best to "stay away from the roller coaster" --- right alongside you !

Sent with my best,
"Cyclone Fan" - Iowa State University
Posted 8/18/2016 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey man, if anyone should feel like "chicken little" now and then it's you. Doesn't look like the sky is about to hit you anytime soon , though.
Posted 8/18/2016 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
I actually did have a tude yesterday.
Every other Lab work is suppose to include a PSA. I got my PSA a month ago.
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