Dr. David Samadi
Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of a medical test hinges greatly on patient preparation. From adhering to fasting guidelines for specific blood tests to abstaining from certain foods or medications, these pre-test criteria play a pivotal role in obtaining precise results.
A prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), is a screening test for detecting elevated PSA levels which may indicate prostate cancer and is one such procedure that requires careful preparation from men leading up to the test. While the PSA test isn’t flawless, it remains a crucial screening tool for prostate cancer, recommended for all men starting at age 40. PSA, is a protein the prostate gland produces and is typically found at low concentrations in the blood. An elevation in PSA levels can signal various conditions, including prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or prostate infection.
Given that PSA levels can fluctuate by 15-20% depending on various factors, men need to take certain precautions to ensure the accuracy of their test results.
Here are some critical steps men should follow before undergoing a PSA test:
- Abstain from sexual activity – at least for a while: Refrain from sexual intercourse, including masturbation, for 48-72 hours before the test. Semen released during sexual activity can temporarily elevate PSA levels, potentially affecting the accuracy of the results.
- Disclose medications and supplements: Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines, herbal supplements, and drugs you are taking. Certain medications, such as Proscar, Avodart, or herbal supplements like saw palmetto or pomegranate, can artificially lower PSA levels, leading to misleading results.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity: Avoid intense exercise or activities like biking, horseback riding, or ATV riding in the days leading up to the test. These activities may stimulate the prostate gland and artificially raise PSA levels.
- Wait after certain procedures: If you’ve recently undergone procedures like a prostate biopsy or urethral catheterization, it’s advisable to wait at least six weeks before undergoing a PSA test.
- Schedule the digital rectal exam (DRE) before the PSA test: If your doctor recommends a digital rectal exam as part of your prostate cancer screening, schedule it before the PSA test. Although a DRE shouldn’t affect PSA levels, taking precautions is best to avoid any potential influence.
If your PSA levels are found to be elevated, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Other factors, such as prostatitis, prostate trauma, or an enlarged prostate, are other possibilities causing PSA elevation. Your doctor will work with you to identify possible contributing factors and determine the following steps, which may include repeating the PSA test or undergoing a prostate biopsy for further evaluation.
In conclusion, proper preparation is key to obtaining accurate PSA test results, enabling timely diagnosis and appropriate management of prostate health.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.