Accurate Use of Prostate-Specific Antigen in Determining Risk of Prostate Cancer

Measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum is used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. As more research results on improving the specificity and sensitivity of PSA testing become available, primary care providers will be provided with other methods to indicate when a urology referral is needed. The belief that the normal range is 0 to 4 ng/mL has not been supported by research. Multiple factors such as age, medication, and inflammatory processes can affect PSA level. Risk factors increase the patient's probability of developing prostate cancer. With no standard screening recommendations for prostate cancer, the provider has a greater responsibility to interpret results properly. Implications for practice are discussed.