Prostate gland Enlarge image The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.
For men with test results showing levels above 4.0 ng/mL, doctors would recommend a prostate biopsy. But in more recent years, studies have demonstrated that some men with PSA levels lower than 4.0 ng/mL can have prostate cancer, and many men with PSA levels higher than 4.0 ng/mL don’t have prostate cancer.In general, it is accepted that a PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL is considered to be on the high end. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network outlines the current PSA results: Less than 1 ng/mL is considered benign. Men with increased risk should repeat testing at 2 to 4-year intervals.2ALvEA.