ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Prostate Specific Antigen, Ultrasensitive : 0098581

Mnemonic: PSA ULTRA

Ordering Recommendation: Do not use for initial prostate cancer screening; preferred test is total prostate specific antigen (0070121) in conjunction with digital rectal exam. May be used to monitor disease after radical prostatectomy.
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: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Unacceptable Conditions: Grossly hemolyzed specimens. Vaginal washings.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 6 months
Reference Interval:
0.00-4.00 ng/mL
Interpretive Data: After radical prostatectomy, the reference interval is less than 0.05 ng/mL if there is no residual disease.  In healthy males without prostatectomy, the reference interval is 4.00 ng/mL or less.  Lower limit of detection is 0.01 ng/mL.                                         

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 nonprostatic carcinoma.
CPT Code(s): 84153
Cross References: Post Prostatectomy (Prostate Specific Antigen, Ultrasensitive), PSA, Third Generation (Prostate Specific Antigen, Ultrasensitive)