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Posted 8/24/2016 9:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have read from some of you that we should drink plenty of water before a PSA exam. What does this have to do with a PSA reading?
Posted 8/24/2016 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
First I've heard of that specific to a PSA test. My nurse at the VA wants me hydrated before general blood work though.
Posted 8/24/2016 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
It's harder to find a vein for a blood draw if you're dehydrated, but beyond that I don't know if there is another reason.
Posted 8/24/2016 5:31 PM (GMT 0)

Howard3569 said...
I have read from some of you that we should drink plenty of water before a PSA exam. What does this have to do with a PSA reading?



Drinking water has absolutely nothing to do with a PSA test.


But, on the other hand (and completely the opposite of what you have "read"), many people like myself have a PSA test annually at the same time as a complete blood panel test for my annual physical. The blood panel includes blood cholesterol test and fasting glucose test, and for those tests one should NOT eat or drink for 8-hours prior to the blood draw. My doctor has said that drinking water with my morning meds is ok.



edit: corrected error

Still, no effect on PSA test

Post Edited (JackH) : 8/24/2016 1:21:36 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/24/2016 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I did not think so but I was not aware that you could take all of the above tests at the same time.
Posted 8/24/2016 6:34 PM (GMT 0)

JackH said...

... The blood panel includes blood cholesterol test and fasting glucose test, and for those tests one should NOT eat or drink ANYTHING (not even water) for 8-hours prior to the blood draw.

Please cite your source.
Posted 8/24/2016 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, onthefence, you're right...I actually pulled that out of my head without re-verifying. Cob webs got in the way. Thanks for the catch. (or I "over-exaggerated," in the confusing words of Ryan Lochte...hahaha)

I went back and tweaked the wording above. Prior to a blood panel (fasting) test, nothing besides water should be consumed; no food or drink, except water is ok. The doctor has specifically said drinking a glass of water with daily meds in the morning is ok.


There is a list of "do not do's" before a PSA test...drinking water, or not drinking water, is not amongst them.
www.prostate.net/2011/prevention/what-not-to-do-before-a-psa-test/

Post Edited (JackH) : 8/24/2016 1:26:55 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/24/2016 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
JackH,

Thanks for clarifying, I know all about those danged cobwebs. :-)
Posted 8/24/2016 8:02 PM (GMT 0)

Howard3569 said...
I have read from some of you that we should drink plenty of water before a PSA exam. What does this have to do with a PSA reading?


PSA is ng per ml of serum so drinking or not drinking water could impact a very sensitive PSA test.
Dehydration means that serum concentration would be higher -> too high PSA result
Hydration means that serum concentration would be lower -> too low PSA result
But my guess would be that the effect could possibly be seen the 3:rd or 4 decimal if at all?
Posted 8/24/2016 8:48 PM (GMT 0)

Gemlin said...

Howard3569 said...
I have read from some of you that we should drink plenty of water before a PSA exam. What does this have to do with a PSA reading?


PSA is ng per ml of serum so drinking or not drinking water could impact a very sensitive PSA test.
Dehydration means that serum concentration would be higher -> too high PSA result
Hydration means that serum concentration would be lower -> too low PSA result
But my guess would be that the effect could possibly be seen the 3:rd or 4 decimal if at all?


That's right. The important point is that the natural variation of PSA is hundreds of times more than the minuscule effect that Gemlin described...so, it is of absolutely no practical concern whatsoever.
Posted 8/26/2016 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I was hoping that I could bring my PSA down by drinking lots of water. Guess I was wrong. Thanks!
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