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How do I find out what my PSA is?

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Posted 4/14/2019 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
I’ve been going to my gp. Labcorp nurse comes to office for draw. Results always under a heading of “<3.5”.

I saw on here where another person’s says the same thing. Someone on here posted “<3.5 on a report means that the machine being used is not calibrated for ultra sensitive PSA tests”. (Unquote)

So...how do I get an ultra sensitive test that is calibrated to measure what it is that I need measured?

Thanks for any suggestions...

David
Posted 4/14/2019 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
a different lab?
Posted 4/14/2019 4:05 AM (GMT 0)

F8 said...
a different lab?

How do you know if that lab uses machines that are calibrated to measure ultra sensitive PSA ?



Thanks

Post Edited (island time) : 4/13/2019 10:25:38 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/14/2019 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
I guess you ask or find one that does. if I were in your situation that's what i'd do.
Posted 4/14/2019 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
On a person that has no prostate history, 4 is an actionable number. Sounds like Lab Corp is saying don't worry about it. Labcorp does go down to <.1 if monitoring a prostate patient. BUT, I wanted a uPSA. I called around to various labs to find one that does uPSA.
Posted 4/14/2019 5:03 AM (GMT 0)

oldbeek said...
On a person that has no prostate history, 4 is an actionable number. Sounds like Lab Corp is saying don't worry about it. Labcorp does go down to <.1 if monitoring a prostate patient. BUT, I wanted a uPSA. I called around to various labs to find one that does uPSA.

Thanks. I think I found the problem.

Labcorp offers two PSA tests.

One is called “Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Cost; $39.00

One is called “PSA, Ultrasensitive”
Cost: $189.00

I know exactly what and why that idiot has been doing what he’s been doing.

He doesn’t know what the **** he’s doing. And if he does? That’s even worse.
Posted 4/14/2019 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
I’d bet dollars to donuts this is behind my erratic readings.
Posted 4/14/2019 5:44 AM (GMT 0)
My understanding was, a regular PSA test would only report down to .1 Anything below .1 was reported as <.1

Is it possible that regular, non ultra sensitive PSA tests can be reported down to values as low as .014 ? (thousandths of ng/mL). That’s a regular PSA test reporting to the 3rd digit.

Is it possible that regular PSA tests can be reported in the thousandths of ng/mL?

My understanding was that, if there is a number reported that low, it was, by definition, an ultra sensitive test.

Is my understanding incorrect?

Thank you !
Posted 4/14/2019 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Is this your GP or a urologist? It's all about the code used to order the test--and your doctor does that. The lab code for Labcorp PSA, Ultrasensitive W/O Serial is 140731. The diagnosis code for post-surgery is C61. THIS is what needs to be on your order sheet.

Find a different doctor?
Posted 4/14/2019 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
David, I’m confused. I never saw or heard of a PSA that only reports down to <3.5. I think I must be missing something. Labcorp regular PSA test reports down to .1. Their ultrasensitive PSA reports down to .006 (might be .003 now not sure)

Just ask for a scrip for ultra sensitive PSA and take it to a local labcorp office. Register on their website and you’ll have the result in 2 days
Posted 4/14/2019 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, LabCorp uPSA measures to 0.006
You can ask the Uro to prescribe the uPSA - mine did it automatically with my first 3 month PSA post op and again 1st PSA post ART treatment which will be in June

If you want to get access to LabCorp's website for test results, very easy to do. I'm torn on whether to look at lab results myself - though I did with my first post op uPSA test in November.
Posted 4/14/2019 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
The normal PSA range for a 56 year old that has not been diagnosed or treated is 3.5 or less. That is what you are seeing. That is not the PSA report of your most recent lab. Make sure you have the full report.

Regular PSA goes to one decimal point, never more. Sensitive goes to two and ultra sensitive to three. Your PSA history shows that you were using the sensitive test and the last three were ultra sensitive.
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