APPLICATION: Diagnosis and monitoring of prostatic carcinoma. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) has generally replaced acid phosphatase, as it has greater sensitivity (especially for early invasive carcinoma) and specificity. The test is not recommended as a screening test for carcinoma of the prostate.
INTERPRETATION:The result should always be interpreted in conjunction with the findings on digital rectal examination. Marked elevation is indicative of carcinoma, however levels are also increased in prostatitis, prostatic ischaemia and/or infarction and acute renal failure. Normal levels do not exclude prostatic carcinoma. Increased levels may occur in benign prostatic hypertrophy. Results that do not correspond to the clinical findings should be repeated on a fresh collection. PSA is particularly useful in monitoring the course of prostatic carcinoma.
