Kind of freaked out...............Latest PSA test

Hi Everyone,

I had a Radical Prostitectomy back on 8.25.2016 with a lymph node dissection. I had 3 out of 12 with Gleason 9. I also had paid for a 3 T mulitparametric pelvic scan only to find out they could not see anything. Ok.. Fast forward till now.

Latest one from a few days ago.. What is weird is it is MISSING the < sign infront of the number:

I would think that 0.009 ng/ml is a LOWER PSA than <0.015 for my last two readings? I am FREAKING OUT!!!! Dr. James Porter was my surgeon, whom I REALLY LOVE! He's great... Ideas? Why would the report be missing the < and not read <0.009 ng/ml?

Patient: ****
ID: ****
Note: All result statuses are Final unless otherwise noted.

Tests: (1) PSA, Ultrasensitive W/O Serial (140731)
PSA, Ultrasensitive 0.009 ng/mL 0.000-4.000
Roche ECLIA methodology.
According to the American Urological Association, Serum PSA should
decrease and remain at undetectable levels after radical
prostatectomy. The AUA defines biochemical recurrence as an initial
PSA value 0.200 ng/mL or greater followed by a subsequent
confirmatory PSA value 0.200 ng/mL or greater.
Values obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used
interchangeably. Results cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Your PSA from yesterday was undetectable <0.015 which is great news! Attached is a copy of the results for your records.
Take Care
Deanna Boone February 15, 2017 11:15 AM
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Mr. *****,
I got your message about needing to get onto our portal. I've notified the front desk to send you the information and it looks like you are signed up. I also want to let you know your PSA came back undetectable <0.015.
Samantha N Morris November 7, 2016 9:59 AM

(Please don't include personal information in public posts. It is a forum guideline, and is to protect you - 142)

Post Edited By Moderator (142) : 2/7/2018 8:45:51 AM (GMT-7)

Were your two previous PSAs done by the same lab and the same Roche ECLIA? If so, I can’t imagine why the sensitivity of the assay would change. Maybe ask Deanna Boone or Dr Porter. In any event, please don’t freak! The minus sign alone is just a fetish, i.e., “an inanimate object worshiped for its supposed magical powers.” You’re well below .03, the best indicator of biochemical recurrence.

Thanks to all the responding folks. I TRULY appreciate it. I am 55 years of age and already have to deal with my AorticDissection issues, got a CT/Angio on 2/14 and hoping my aorta has stayed the same. It will be 15 years survival on 8/22/2018. So, I am still hanging tough there. And my next issue is my aortic valve, it's a moderate leak still and hopefully after my next Echo, it will still hopefully remain the same. Now with this possible PSA issue, I am just feeling overwhelmed. I wish (if truly an error) in the reporting that people would realize how much a number can mean to people.

Oh well, I have so much to be thankful for and this forum is a true blessing to me and the WONDERFUL folks who are offering advice and guidance is a great supporting mechanism.

Thanks again,
Brian Tinsley

Thanks Forum Moderator, much appreciated. Very much. Good Day to all.
BST