Prostate Specific Antigen (Total PSA)

The total PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in an individual’s blood sample. PSA is a protein released by cancerous and non-cancerous tissue in the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder in males. The PSA produced by the prostate gland is mostly present in semen; however, trace amounts of PSA normally circulate in the bloodstream.

Doctors usually recommend a PSA test to check elevated levels of PSA protein that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, the test can also be used to detect other medical conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate.