Prostate
PSA (total)
A protein made by the prostate, a small amount of which always leaks into the blood.
Unit ng/mLTypical adult range < 4 ng/mL
What it is
A protein made by the prostate, a small amount of which always leaks into the blood.
Why it matters
It is the main prostate screening marker, but it rises with benign enlargement and inflammation as readily as with cancer.
Reading the number
The upper limit rises with age, and the rate of change over years usually tells more than any single value. Cycling, ejaculation and a recent examination all raise it.
What moves it
recent ejaculationcyclingprostate examinationurinary infectionsome medications
Read alongside
When to raise it
Worth discussing any clear rise between tests, whatever the absolute value.
Also known as
On a report in another language.
A lab report names this analyte in its own language. Vitals Vault recognises each of these and files them all under PSA (total).
PSA TotalPSAtPSAAntigénio Específico da PróstataAntígeno Prostático EspecíficoProstataspetsiifiline antigeenProstataspezifisches AntigenAntigène prostatique spécifiqueProstate-Specific Antigen
Catalog entry last updated 2026-08-28. Browse all 165 metrics.