| Analyzer |
|
| Abbrev |
PSA |
| Analyte |
Prostate Specific Antigen |
| Department |
Immunoassay |
| Specimen Type |
Serum |
| Alternate Specimen Type |
N/A |
| Specimen Stability Requirements |
Transport refrigerated within 24 hours after collection |
| Preferred Specimen |
1mL Serum |
| Minimum Volume |
0.5mL |
| Collection Instructions |
Specimens for PSA testing should be drawn prior to such prostatic manipulations as a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostatic massage, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and prostatic biopsy. DRE may cause a transient increase in serum PSA levels. A repeat PSA measurement in the case of borderline elevation has been recommended. A 6 week waiting period between needle biopsy and PSA sampling has been recommended. The 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor drugs may affect PSA levels in some patients. Other drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may also affect PSA levels. |
| Specimen Instructions |
Allow serum samples to clot completely before centrifugation. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted to a plastic transport tube within 2 hours of collection. Avoid hemolysis. Gel tubes should be spun at room temperature at a speed of 1000 to 1300 RCF for 10 minutes in a swinging bucket centrifuge and 15 minutes in a fixed-angle centrifuge. Non-gel serum tubes can be centrifuged at ≤ 1300 RCF for 10 minutes. After centrifugation refrigerates the samples at 2 to 8°C. |
| Reasons for Rejection |
Improper labeling; quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen type; expired stability. |
| CPT Code |
84153 |
