ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Prostate Specific Antigen, Total - Medicare Screening : 0070234

Mnemonic: PSA SCN

Ordering Recommendation: Preferred initial screening test for prostate cancer in conjunction with digital rectal exam. May use to monitor patients for recurrence of cancer.
Methodology: Quantitative Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube or plasma separator tube. Also acceptable: Plain red, green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation: Transport 1 mL serum or plasma. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Unacceptable Conditions: Hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 6 months
Reference Interval:
0.0-4.0 ng/mL
Interpretive Data: The Roche PSA electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different test methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. The Roche PSA method is approved for use as an aid in the detection of prostate cancer when used in conjunction with a digital rectal exam in men age 50 and older. The Roche PSA is also indicated for the serial measurement of PSA to aid in the prognosis and management of prostate cancer patients. Elevated PSA concentrations can only suggest the presence of prostate cancer until biopsy is performed. PSA concentrations can also be elevated in benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammatory conditions of the prostate. PSA is generally not elevated in healthy men or men with non-prostatic carcinoma.
Note: This test should be ordered for screening purposes for Medicare patients only.
CPT Code(s): G0103