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Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA

Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA

For men
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The Prostate-Specific Antigen (Free) Test measures the levels of unbound or free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood. PSA in the blood is found as either complexed PSA (bound to other proteins) or free PSA. Free and total PSA tests can help diagnose prostate problems including prostate cancer. However, the results are only meaningful when compared with those of a total PSA test.

A higher ratio of free PSA to total PSA indicates a lower risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, a low ratio of free PSA to total PSA indicates a higher risk of having prostate cancer. Free PSA tests are quicker, cheaper, and less invasive than biopsies, but they cannot confirm or rule out cancer. If the levels initially indicate a possible risk of prostate cancer, biopsy might be recommended.

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What does Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA measure?

The PSA (Free) Test measures the levels of unbound or free PSA in blood.

PSA is a protein which is secreted by the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a male accessory reproductive organ, the secretion of which contributes to the formation of the seminal fluid. Most of the PSA produced is secreted in the seminal fluid along with other prostatic secretions and only a small amount is secreted into the bloodstream. PSA is considered to be a tumor marker since its levels in the blood are elevated in prostate cancer and BPH, and it is used as a preliminary screening test before further diagnostic procedures.

PSA in blood is found as either complexed PSA (bound to other proteins) or free PSA. The PSA Test usually calculates the total PSA levels in the blood including both free and complexed forms, whereas the PSA (Free) test measures the levels of unbound or free PSA in blood.

Some doctors prefer to measure free PSA in patients with a total PSA level between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml rather than subjecting everyone with an elevated PSA to a biopsy as it is an invasive procedure.


FAQs related to Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA

You should not have produced semen during sex or masturbation (ejaculated) in the previous 48 hours or Exercised heavily in the previous 48 hours. You should not have undergone a prostate biopsy in the previous six weeks or had a rectal examination (a digital rectal examination) in the previous week.
The PSA levels in the blood can be affected by a number of factors including: · Ejaculation · Direct prostate examinations · Physical activities like cycling, horse-riding, etc. · Chemotherapy · Infections of the prostate gland · Prostate Biopsy · Cystoscopy (a procedure where an endoscope is inserted through the urethra to examine the urinary bladder) · Urinary catheter · Urinary tract infections
Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal PSA test result are: · Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) · Free PSA Test · Urinalysis · Prostate Ultrasound · Prostate Biopsy
PSA Test results can also be evaluated in the following ways: · PSA Velocity: Estimates increase or decrease in PSA levels over time. A significant increase indicates cancer. Faster the increase in PSA, more aggressive is the cancer. · PSA Doubling Time: Also tracks PSA increase by measuring the time in which PSA levels double. · PSA Density: Measures PSA levels in blood against volume of the prostate gland seen by ultrasound. Greater PSA levels than expected for the visible volume of prostate indicate chance of cancer. · Age-specific PSA: PSA levels increase with age, hence the normal range of PSA is to be established for the age of the particular person being tested.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH is a condition characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland. Enlargement due to BPH is usually caused due to aging and does not develop into cancer. The enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra and leads to blockage, causing urinary retention, weak or no urine flow, urinary bladder stones, infections or kidney damage.
Increased PSA level is usually an indication of prostate cancer. However, it cannot confirm the diagnosis of cancer since elevated PSA levels can be seen in other conditions as well. Also, PSA levels are not significantly increased in slow growing forms of prostate cancer and many times prostate cancer can occur without increased PSA levels. PSA is usually accompanied by other tests like Digital Rectal Examination and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.
Content created by
Written by:
Dr. Lipika Khurana
BDS, PGDHHM
Reviewed by:
Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)
MBBS, MD Lab Medicine
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated9th Feb 2026

Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA test price for other cities

Price inAhmedabadRs. 770
Price inAllahabadRs. 750
Price inBangaloreRs. 750
Price inBhopalRs. 750
Price inChandigarhRs. 750

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Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA