Prostate Test (Prostate Specific Antigen)

• Convenient - self-collected at home or office
• Accurate - Nationally Certified Laboratory results
• Insurance Reimbursement Code - included with results

This is a self-collected laboratory analysis that measures a substance produced by the prostate gland called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Annual PSA testing is a safe and effective aid in the detection of prostate disease such as prostate cancer.

Notice!
This test should not be taken by men who have had their prostate gland removed.

The Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut and is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The prostate gland produces the liquid part of semen, which transports sperm.

Prostate Cancer & PSA
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men in the United States. It occurs in about 1 out of 10 men during their lifetime. Prostate cancer is more common in older men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men.

The BIOSAFE Prostate Test blood test is a laboratory procedure that measures a substance produced by the prostate gland called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Small amounts of this substance may get into the bloodstream and can be measured by the PSA test. Certain conditions of the prostate may raise the level of PSA in the blood. Although high levels of PSA are not harmful, they are an important signal of possible prostate disease.

Note: Prostate cancer can be cured - if diagnosed early!

Recommended Ages for Testing
Since the risk for prostate cancer increases with age, it is recommended that all males should have an annual PSA test once they reach the age of 40.

Men in high-risk groups, such as African Americans and those with blood relatives who have had prostate cancer, should begin testing even earlier and consult with their health care professional for advice on more frequent testing.

Annual PSA testing can be an important aid in the early detection of prostate cancer.

What is a DRE?
During your annual examination, your health care professional will probably perform another prostate test called a digital rectal exam (DRE). This test will provide additional, important information about the overall health of your prostate.

The BIOSAFE Prostate Test, along with a DRE, is the best way to check for possible prostate problems. But please keep in mind; an elevated PSA result, or an enlarged prostate, does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.

Should I have both a PSA Test and a DRE?
A BIOSAFE Prostate Test and a DRE are more effective in detecting prostate cancer when they are done together than when either test is taken alone.

Be aware, however, that it is still possible for some prostate cancers to be missed because they are too small to raise the PSA blood level or to be felt during a DRE. Since early detection is your single best defense against this deadly disease, always consult with your health care professional.

What exactly is Cancer?
Cancer is really a group of diseases. There are many different types of cancer, one of which is cancer of the prostate gland.

Normal human cells divide and grow in an orderly way; this helps to keep the body in good repair. Sometimes these normal cells begin to divide too rapidly. This uncontrolled cell growth forms a mass, or tumor. Tumors may sometimes cause pain, but usually don't when they are small.

Some tumors are "benign," which means they are not cancerous, do not spread to other parts of the body, and are usually not life-threatening.

Cancerous tumors are called "malignant". They can invade nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can spread, or "metastasize," throughout the body and form new tumors. This is why it is important to find a malignant tumor as early as possible, when the cancer may be most treatable.

What do the PSA Test results mean?
Using the BIOSAFE Prostate Test, a result of less than 2.5 ng/mL is considered statistically normal. Results greater than 2.5 ng/mL are statistically elevated. However, many men with a PSA level greater than 2.5 ng/mL do not have prostate cancer. Likewise, a PSA value under 2.5 ng/mL does not rule out the possibility of cancer.

If the results of the blood test are higher than 2.5 ng/mL, other medical procedures, including biopsy, are required before your health care professional can determine whether or not you have prostate cancer.

Note: Your health care professional will be able to interpret the results of the PSA test and DRE to determine whether additional testing should be done.

If my PSA is elevated, are other tests needed?
If your PSA level is above normal, and/or if your DRE reveals an area of hardness in the prostate, your health care professional may recommend that you have an ultrasound scan of the prostate along with a biopsy. (No evidence to date suggests that ultrasound scanning causes bodily harm.)

In an ultrasound scan, sound waves are sent into the body and are used to take "pictures" of the prostate gland. These pictures help your health care professional locate suspicious areas of the prostate. These areas may contain cancer and should be biopsied.

Biopsy involves the removal of a small amount of tissue from the prostate. Examination of the biopsied tissue under a microscope is the only way to be certain of the presence of prostate cancer.

What other conditions may cause a high PSA level?
There are several conditions other than prostate cancer that can cause the level of PSA in the blood stream to rise. The most common condition is enlargement of the prostate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

BPH is very common in men over 50 years of age and may cause difficulty with urination. About 4 out of 5 men eventually develop enlarged prostates. BPH is not cancer, nor is there evidence that it leads to cancer. Infection or inflammation of the prostate gland is called prostatitis. This condition may also cause higher than normal PSA levels.

The Testing Procedure
The BIOSAFE Prostate Test is a laboratory blood test that measures a chemical substance produced by the prostate gland called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Small amounts of this substance can be measured in the bloodstream by the Prostate Screen. Certain conditions of the prostate may raise the level of PSA in the blood and, while elevated levels of PSA are not harmful, they are an important signal of possible prostate disease. The BIOSAFE Prostate Test provides you with an accurate, convenient, and inexpensive way to discover you own PSA level.

The specimen collection process is quick, easy and virtually painless. Using the special lancet (included in the Blood Collection Kit), a couple of drops of blood are taken from a nick of a finger and deposited onto a special collection card. The card is then sent to BIOSAFE Laboratories for analysis. BIOSAFE tests your blood sample to see how much PSA is present and then mails the results back to you in an easy-to-read, understandable report.
Since the BIOSAFE Prostate Test produces a numerical result rather than a simple "yes" or "no" answer, both testing approval and professional review of test results are required by a licensed physician. BIOSAFE has developed a nationwide network of medical doctors for this purpose and their services are included in the cost of the test.

You may order a BIOSAFE Prostate Test by clicking on the button below. When your order is approved, your Blood Collection Kit will be sent to you by first class mail.

A PSA test is only one part of your overall health maintenance program and should be done once each year along with your annual physical.