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Canine prostate preparation for analysis

PSA analysis is normal. How to take a blood test for PSA, proper preparation

Prostate cancer occupies an "honorable" third place in terms of mortality among other oncological diseases, and in the group of older men it is the leader. PSA analysis helps to diagnose it in a timely manner and take timely measures. What is it and how to prepare for it so that the results are correct?

What does the abbreviation PSA mean?

PSA or PSA is a prostate specific agent. In its structure, it is a protein polypeptide consisting of more than 200 amino acids. Both diseased and healthy cells of the prostate produce this substance, so every PSA test shows its small presence in the blood. The norm for each age category of males is different, since with age the prostatic specific agent is produced in greater quantities. In healthy men, it is present, in addition to blood, in the ejaculate (semen) and in the prostate secretion. If there are tumor cells in the prostate gland, the prostate agent begins to be produced in significant volumes, which is used in the unmistakable marking of the disease. In addition to diagnosing the disease, the analysis is performed to monitor the health status of patients who have already been treated or are being treated for cancer or prostate adenoma.

Age norms

Prostate cancer is a very insidious disease. If it is detected at the wrong time and treatment is started late, it inevitably leads to death. As medical statistics show, this type of cancer is not associated with smoking, alcoholism, the intensity of sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases, that is, every man can get sick with it. The only way to detect this disease in time and thereby save your life is a PSA Blood test. The norm can be temporarily exceeded, which is associated with certain diseases. In such cases, the analysis is repeated or additional studies are carried out.

What is a gray area?

For research, blood is taken from a vein. The results of the analysis, when the values of the prostatic agent are above the norm, but do not exceed 10 ng/ml, are called the "gray zone". In such cases, the doctor may order a prostate biopsy. The main indication for its implementation is the ratio of the so-called free PSA to the total. It in healthy men should be above 15%. The fact is that only about 10 percent of all forms of the prostatic agent are present in this state. The remaining 90 percent is associated with either a-1-antichymotrypsin (a protease inhibitor) or a-2-macroglobulin (an inhibitor of pepsin, plasmin, and other enzymes). Being in combination with a-2-macroglobulin, PSA is practically not determined. Laboratory studies show only the amount of free and associated with a-1-antichymotrypsin of the prostatic agent. Their total value is demonstrated by the so-called general PSA blood test. If a man has prostate cancer, a-1-antichymotrypsin begins to be produced in large quantities in the body, which leads to greater binding of the agent and a decrease in its free form. Consequently, the percentage of these two forms decreases.

What is the reason for exceeding the norm?

Some diseases have a great influence on the quantitative indicator of PSA in blood serum samples. The most dangerous of them is Prostate cancer, that is, a malignant enlargement of the prostate that is not associated with age and gives metastases. At the slightest suspicion of cancer, manifested in painful urination, sensations as if the bladder is not completely emptied, frequent urge and difficulty urinating, and pain in the perineum, a PSA test should be done. The norm is typical for healthy people, while an increased level can be with the following diseases:

Adenoma (a benign tumor that does not metastasize);

Heart attack (necrosis due to spasm);

Ischemia (anemia of the prostate associated with problems in the blood vessels);

Acute renal failure.

What factors cause an increase in the prostatic agent?

Several factors influence the amount of prostatic agent in the blood. Therefore, in order to obtain a reliable PSA analysis, preparation for it must be carried out very seriously. The excess is affected by:

Deep prostate massage;

TRUS (specific ultrasound of the prostate gland);

TURP (surgical effect on the prostate).

Factors that do not affect the readings:

Insertion of a catheter into the bladder and cystoscopy;

Rectal (with fingers) examination of the prostate.

Preparing for analysis

It is the responsibility of every patient to know and strictly follow the preparation requirements before doing a PSA test. Its norm for different ages is well known. The level can be increased not because of the pathology of the prostate, but because of non-compliance with special conditions.They are as follows:

Abstinence from ejaculation for at least 2 days before analysis;

Carry out the analysis no earlier than 3 days after deep prostate massage;

If the patient is undergoing TRUS, at least 7 days must pass after the procedure before PSA analysis;

After a biopsy of the prostate, which greatly increases the amount of agent in the blood, at least 6 weeks must pass before analysis;

If the patient underwent transurethral resection, PSA analysis is allowed no earlier than 6 months after the operation.

In addition, before the analysis, it is advisable to refrain from smoking, not to eat fatty foods for more than a day, to avoid excessive physical and mental stress.

When is an analysis scheduled?

If prostate diseases are suspected and during the treatment of detected tumors, a PSA analysis is prescribed. The norm in those on treatment depends on the type of therapy. So, after surgical removal of the prostate (laparoscopic prostatectomy), the digital indicator of the prostate-specific agent, as a rule, decreases to 0.2 ng/ml, and after radiation therapy to 1 ng/ml. These indicators are very favorable and allow us to hope for a long period without relapses. If, after all types of therapy, the PSA level increases, we can state the further development of the tumor process. However, an excess of PSA is not always indicative of cancer. In rare cases, the result is influenced by the individual characteristics of the patient's tissue barriers. There are people whose tissues have increased permeability, so the prostatic agent seeps into the blood more easily, and, as a result, its amount is somewhat overestimated.

What measurements are taken to clarify the diagnosis?

As noted above, with age, the prostate gland increases in every man. To reduce the effect of this natural increase on test results, PSA density is measured. This indicator is determined by dividing the quantitative indicator by the measured prostate volume. If the quotient obtained by division is higher than 0.15 ng / ml / cm 3, there is a suspicion of the onset of pathological changes in the prostate gland. In such cases, a biopsy is performed on the person. Another type of study is to determine how fast PSA changes. If the value is higher than 0.75 ng/ml/year, the patient has a very high probability of developing a tumor. The data of the analysis help to determine with sufficient accuracy the presence of metastases in a patient. So, with indications of a prostatic specific agent above 50 ng / ml, there is a high probability of the onset of the metastasis process. And numbers above 100 ng / mg state the presence of deep metastases.

Preparation for prostate analysis

Diseases of the genitourinary system at an early stage in men often disappear without external symptoms. A blood test for PSA, a specific protein produced by the prostate gland, helps diagnose them. A decrease or increase in its level may indicate the development of pathological phenomena in the body.

A blood test for a specific antigen requires preliminary preparation of the patient. Following the recommendations on how to properly donate blood for prostate PSA will help you get reliable results, without distorting the diagnosis.

Prostate PSA blood test

PSA, PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Its main part is contained in seminal fluid, but some volume also enters the blood. With the development of pathological phenomena, the concentration of PSA in the blood may increase. An analysis for this antigen makes it possible to detect diseases at a latent, asymptomatic stage.

Protein is found in the blood in free (10%) and bound (90%) forms

During the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed an analysis for the total PSA of the prostate, that is, the determination of the total level of the antigen in both forms

In order to correctly determine the level of prostate antigen, it is necessary, if possible, to exclude the possibility of false positive and false negative results. To do this, the patient should schedule the date of blood sampling for PSA testing at least 2 weeks in advance.

• It is very important to correctly and carefully follow all the recommendations of the doctor: this will help reduce the concentration of prostate PSA to normal levels. This approach will eliminate the possibility of distorting the results and avoid unnecessary worries about the state of health.
• In the absence of diseases, an accurate reliable result is important in order to track the dynamics of changes in the PSA level in the future.

If the results of the study are found to be unreliable, the patient is re-trained and donated blood for prostate PSA analysis.

Preparation for prostate PSA analysis implies the early exclusion of all factors that can artificially change protein values.

• For 2 weeks: you need to give up drugs, the action of which is aimed at increasing testosterone levels and improving potency.
• For 2 weeks: exclude all types of physical impact on the gland. During this time, there can be no massages, palpation examinations, transrectal ultrasound. If a catheter has been inserted into the patient's bladder, the study can only be carried out 2 weeks after its removal.
• In 2 days: switch to a sparing diet, with a minimum amount of fried, spicy and smoked. You should also exclude alcoholic beverages, coffee.
• For 2 days: stop sexual intercourse, masturbation. Ejaculation during this period changes the concentration of prostate-specific antigen and may subsequently distort the results of the study.
• For 1 day: Minimize physical activity. It is especially important to avoid activities that can lead to sexual exposure: cycling, horseback riding.
• 1 day in advance: it is recommended to quit cigarettes. If it is impossible to refrain from smoking for such a long period, it is allowed to reduce it to at least 1-2 hours before the study.
• On the day of blood donation for PSA: do not eat, a small amount of pure non-carbonated water is allowed.

If the patient was previously treated

A blood test for prostate protein can only be performed 6 weeks after tissue sampling.

How the procedure works

Blood test

In order to determine the level of prostate antigen, a venous blood test is required. The procedure is carried out in all blood sampling centers. The standard volume of the required material is no more than 5 ml.

• The study should be carried out 10 hours after the last meal. Also, the PSA level is subject to daily fluctuations, therefore, usually, the time for the test is scheduled in the morning.
• Before taking blood, the patient must provide the doctor with information about the state of health: inform about ongoing diseases, including chronic ones, medications taken and current health.
• During venous blood sampling, the patient is in a sitting position. In case of dizziness or pre-fainting conditions caused by strong emotional excitement and prolonged refusal of food, the study is carried out with the patient lying down.

What distorts the results of the analysis for prostate-specific antigen

An abnormal level of the PSA protein in the blood is not necessarily direct evidence of a tumor in the prostate. There are a number of factors under the influence of which there is a high jump in the indicator.

• Taking medication at least a few days before the procedure. Hormones and potency-enhancing medications especially affect PSA protein concentration;
• Ejaculation within 2 days before sampling;
• Active sports activities such as horseback riding, cycling or exercise on a stationary bike;
• Installed catheter after surgery on the organs of the genitourinary system;
• Physical treatment of the gland 7-10 days prior to analysis, including massage;
• Injury.

The elimination of these factors is an effective way to reduce prostate PSA levels after establishing false positive results.

The average level of total antigen in the blood is 0-4 ng / ml in the norm. The concentration of this protein in the blood changes with age.

The norm of the total prostate-specific PSA antigen for men of different age categories varies as follows:

• Under 49 years - up to 2.5 ng/ml;
• Up to 59 years - 2.5-3.5 ng / ml;
• Up to 69 years - 3.5-4.5 ng / ml;
• Over 70 years - 4.5-6.5 ng/ml

Under the influence of various factors, the indicator may slightly shift up or down. Exceeding the level of 10 ng / ml requires additional studies, in particular the ratio of free protein to the total level.

Filling in analysis results

If the analysis shows a total PSA level in the blood of more than 30 ng / ml, this is considered a confirmation of prostate cancer.

Exceeding the norm of the prostate-specific antigen may be a sign of such pathological changes in the prostate:

• Infectious-inflammatory process in the structure of the gland;
• Diseases of the genitourinary system in the acute phase;
• A benign formation in the cavity of the gland;
• Ischemia or infarction of the prostate;
• Malignant growth (prostate cancer).

To clarify the established diagnosis, additional studies are additionally assigned, first of all, a biopsy.

In men over the age of 40, the risk of developing prostate cancer increases dramatically.Therefore, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis with blood donation for prostate PSA several times a year, ideally - 1 time per quarter.

A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is performed on men to detect a foreign, dangerous substance produced by the prostate gland. Also, the analysis will help to identify the pathological growth of the prostate (benign neoplasm) and inflammation (prostatitis). Preparation for a blood test for PSA is certainly important, as it is fully responsible for the initial result of treatment. There are many nuances here that are best observed by the patient in order to accurately exclude or identify the antigen and correct research. There are still certain criteria who would do well to do a PSA test:

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The main purpose of the prostate-specific antigen is the dissolution of seminal fluid clots, its dilution and flow through the urinary canal during an erection. For further free movement of spermatozoa through the vaginal canal of the uterus and the rapid fertilization of a woman's egg.

The detection of the antigen level is considered the main thing in the analysis, since an increased amount of it has the ability to incite the mobility of cancer cells, which are very dangerous for people, it is difficult to treat a tumor and no one guarantees a complete recovery. Also, antigen analysis helps to identify many pathologies of the prostate gland.

An unusual antigen material is produced by the glands of the prostate and consists entirely of protein. This element is part of the composition of the seed. A small part of the antigen has the ability to enter the blood and is there in an independent free form and in connection with the protein substance.

Total PSA is more common and insensitive, for which it is referred to as a marker of oncology (cancer). But to show the painful process of prostate cancer is possible only in the ratio of the marker of free and total antigen. Basically, when determining the antigen, a common PSA marker is surrendered, but as a result of a high indicator, an analysis of an extended type is performed, which has as many as three disease indicators at once. The specifics and preparation of PSA tests are identical, they are made from one blood sample.

The excess of the analysis values is affected not only by diseases, but also by the physiology of a person and his personal criteria, for example, a significant number of men have a genetic factor, enlarged prostate glands, followed by the production of a large amount of antigen. The type of sport also affects, if a person is engaged in such, any sport associated with a pelvic load contributes to an increase in PSA in the body. Its quantity depends on the ethnic heritage, the race to which the person belongs, each of the races has its own antigen norm. Also, the reasons may be more unpleasant:

• prostatitis;
• prostate adenoma;
• prostate cancer.

In any of the options, an elevated antigen will not be a decisive factor. It is better to remember that chronic inflammation and adenoma increase the chance for cancer development.

The antigen is not always elevated, but in some cases it is also reduced. Factors leading to a decrease in PSA levels: medication, to be precise - those used to treat adenoma. Excessive weight seriously affects the deviation of the antigen from the norm. And this can have serious consequences, so you definitely need to fight it with the help of properly selected diets (minimum fat and sweet, more carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins). And of course, well-designed physical exercises (running, push-ups, pull-ups, and so on) are effective in the fight against excess weight.

An important condition for the correct passage of the PSA test, a couple of weeks before the test, you should not attend digital examinations of the prostate, biopsies, ultraviolet examinations, gland massage, laser therapy, cystoscopy.

Preparing for a PSA test is not a difficult task, which does not involve any extra efforts of a man. But there are still a decent amount of medical requirements to get tested for an antigen. The main rule for donating blood from a vein is to change the diet.

This is the best time to eat healthy, cook delicious homemade food in which the presence of such ingredients is desirable:

It is advisable to exclude the following types of food from the diet at least a couple of days before donating blood and say no:

The main thing, dear men, remember: PSA analysis is performed on an empty stomach, the interval is at least 8 hours between the last meal and blood donation by the patient. If you suddenly need to identify triglycerides, the interval is increased by 4 hours.Even 8 hours before the test, you will have to stop taking the liquid.

It must be said that preparing for PSA analysis in men is a responsible and serious period, and in order to avoid unnecessary waste of nerves, time and money, it is better to prepare correctly.

It should be noted that in the process of preparation a few days before donating blood from a vein, it is recommended to exclude any kind of physical activity. It is very important not to load the pelvic area at all, you can not engage in any kind of equestrian sport, that is, sit in the saddle, ride a bicycle or exercise bike, even a motorcycle. Accordingly, heavy sports activities, all competitions, friendly matches and any active recreation are prohibited. Eliminate physical labor at home, at work. It is better to be in a relaxed state for a couple of days, another important aspect is to exclude intimate relationships and sex.

One of the most important factors for a satisfactory state of both the emotional and physical state of the human body. For a satisfactory psycho-emotional state, it is best to abstract for a short period of a couple of days from pressing problems and worries, to devote this time to your own or family vacation. Engage in your favorite entertainment, hobby for a greater influx of positive emotions and thoughts. Throw all possible results of analysis out of your head, stop winding yourself up and inventing illnesses for yourself, since thoughts are material, it’s better to think about the good. After all, bad thoughts will not lead to anything good. In today's world, 40% of males over the age of 31 have a predisposition to prostatitis and signs of the disease. All symptoms, detected in time, are easily treated by modern medicine. So you should not worry and be nervous about prostatitis, as this is fraught with consequences, increased blood pressure, unnecessary nervousness, headaches and insomnia. And such a state is unacceptable before analysis, since it directly affects the result.

This, like other tests, is given in the morning until 11-00 maximum. The first rule of admission is that the analysis is given on an empty stomach, the patient should not eat anything. Mandatory observance of the following points: on the day of the PSA analysis, the patient is forbidden to drink or eat 8 hours before the blood donation. A couple of hours before the delivery, you can not smoke and it is better to refuse to take the prescribed drugs and medicines. Before blood sampling, try to rest and relax, calm down, no physical exertion and psychological stress should be present. In case of feeling unwell before blood sampling, which often happens due to refraining from eating, the person is laid on the couch and blood is taken in the supine position of the body.

For PSA analysis, blood is taken intravenously, which significantly increases the accuracy of the test result. The volume of the required amount of material is not more than 10 milligrams and not less than 5. If the result of the analysis is in doubt for you or the doctor, a second procedure is allowed. For a reliable and correct result, blood donation will be performed at the same time as the first PSA test.

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The prostate gland (prostate) is a male organ, external secretion. The physiological product of the prostate is PSA (prostate specific agent). This protein is contained in the epithelial cells of the ducts of the prostate gland, its production is continuous. The main function of the prostatic agent is to ensure sperm fertility, by reducing the viscosity of the ejaculate, sperm motility increases. The secret produced by the gland is the main component of sperm.

By passing a laboratory analysis for a prostate-specific agent, it is possible to identify pathological conditions of the prostate gland and prevent the development of the disease at an early stage.

What you need to know about PSA

The need for analysis increases if there are medical indications:

The initial stages of prostate diseases are not clinically manifested, men have no complaints and cause for concern, and the results of a routine medical examination and ultrasound remain within the normal range. The level of PSA in the blood is the most important indicator of the state of men's health. With age, normal PSA levels increase. Sexually mature young people in order to prevent diseases of the reproductive system need to regularly monitor the level of PSA and the hormone testosterone.With age, the need for a PSA test in men increases; after 40, it is recommended to undergo a screening examination of the prostate gland.

To determine the level of a specific protein in the body, it is necessary to donate venous blood for analysis. Normally, the product of the prostate gland is secreted into the ejaculate and only a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream. In pathological conditions of the gland, an increase in its mass, volume and synthesis of the prostatic agent occurs. As a result, the amount and concentration of protein in the blood begins to increase.

Blood from a vein for PSA

IMPORTANT! There are physiological conditions in the male body in which the PSA level rises.

To exclude a false positive result of a laboratory test, it is recommended to retake blood in dynamics no earlier than after 7 days. In this case, it is important to compare the quantitative value of PSA not only with the reference values, but also with the previous level of PSA concentration in the blood serum.

Regular laboratory blood testing for the concentration of a prostatic specific agent for preventive purposes will allow early diagnosis of the inflammatory process of the prostate gland, benign and malignant neoplasms.

Any mechanical effect on the gland causes irritation and stimulates the release of secretions, which leads to a sharp increase in the concentration of the prostatic agent in the blood. For the reliability of the result, it is recommended to withstand at least 7 days after the diagnostic procedures:

• Transrectal ultrasound.
• Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy.
• Cystoscopy.
• Ergometry.
• Rectal digital examination of the prostate.

There is also an increase in PSA levels during and up to 3 weeks after treatment:

• Prostatectomy.
• Prostate massage
• Laser therapy.

After a prostate biopsy, it is recommended to conduct a blood test for prostate specific protein after 20 days from the date of diagnosis.

Before donating blood for PSA, it is recommended to perform a simple preparation in order to avoid false increases in the level of the agent:

How often to test PSA

If you plan to take a laboratory test for a prostate specific protein, there is no need to follow a special diet the day before. It is necessary to fulfill the general requirements for taking venous blood. In order to avoid chillosis (lipemia, serum unsuitable for research) of blood, it is recommended to exclude smoked and fatty foods a day before. The last meal is no later than 21:00. Before donating blood, it is preferable to withstand at least 5 hours of fasting, it is advisable to donate blood in the first half of the day, however, daily fluctuations in PSA in the blood are insignificant.

There are no restrictions on water intake. Immediately before entering the treatment room, take a comfortable sitting position for 10 minutes, restore breathing.

A blood test for PSA can be taken without a doctor's referral by contacting the medical office on your own. The average turnaround time is from a few hours to 3 days. The cost of the study is democratic.

• Determining the concentration of PSA in the blood will diagnose the following conditions:
• Acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of an infectious nature.
• Impaired blood circulation of the tissues of the gland (ischemia and prostate infarction).
• Benign neoplasms (prostate hyperplasia, adenoma).
• Malignant tumors (carcinoma).

IMPORTANT! The result of the analysis is not a diagnosis.

An increase in the level of total PSA above 4 ng / ml is a reason to consult a doctor for further comprehensive examination. Prostate diseases detected at an early stage are treated conservatively and are successfully treated.

Reference PSA value 0-4 ng/ml. In pathological processes, an increase in the concentration of a specific protein in the blood serum of a man is noted. With benign processes - up to 10 ng / ml; with a malignant tumor of the prostate gland up to 30 ng / ml; with active cancer with metastasis, the concentration is up to 1000 ng/ml.

The amount of free form is not more than 10% of the total. In pathological processes, the percentage of fractions changes. With an enlarged prostate, for the purpose of differential diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the level of total PSA + free PSA and their percentage (more than 15% - benign processes, less than 15% - cancer of the gland).

Attentive attitude to your health, and a simple blood donation procedure will avoid disastrous consequences. Compliance with the recommendations of the doctor and regular medical examinations will provide a man with health for many years.

Prostate cancer occupies an "honorable" third place in terms of mortality among other oncological diseases, and in the group of older men it is the leader.PSA analysis helps to diagnose it in a timely manner and take timely measures. What is it and how to prepare for it so that the results are correct?

PSA or PSA is a prostate specific agent. In its structure, it is a protein polypeptide consisting of more than 200 amino acids. Both diseased and healthy cells of the prostate produce this substance, so every PSA test shows its small presence in the blood. The norm for each age category of males is different, since with age the prostatic specific agent is produced in greater quantities. In healthy men, it is present, in addition to blood, in the ejaculate (semen) and in the prostate secretion. If there are tumor cells in the prostate gland, the prostate agent begins to be produced in significant volumes, which is used in the unmistakable marking of the disease. In addition to diagnosing the disease, the analysis is performed to monitor the health status of patients who have already been treated or are being treated for cancer or prostate adenoma.

Prostate cancer is a very insidious disease. If it is detected at the wrong time and treatment is started late, it inevitably leads to death. As medical statistics show, this type of cancer is not associated with smoking, alcoholism, the intensity of sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases, that is, every man can get sick with it. The only way to detect this disease in time and thereby save your life is a PSA blood test. The norm can be temporarily exceeded, which is associated with certain diseases. In such cases, the analysis is repeated or additional studies are carried out.

Preparing for a PSA blood test: what to do and what not to do?

Blood tests are the basis of all medical examinations.

Since many diseases, including urological ones, do not manifest themselves in the initial stage (there are no symptoms), a blood test for PSA can reveal the emerging pathology. What is it?

The purpose of this laboratory test is to determine how much prostate-specific antigen is in the blood of a man. Proper preparation for donating blood for PSA is the key to a reliable result.

The fact is that with age, the prostate increases in size. Along with it, the PSA value, measured in nanograms per milliliter, also increases. Therefore, when talking about a "normal" PSA, you need to know what age the patient is

PSA (or PSA) is a specific protein compound that is induced by the prostate gland (PG) and is part of the semen.

This type of analysis is carried out in the diagnosis of various types of prostate neoplasms. If the sample shows its elevated values, most likely there are cancer cells in the body. Although in some cases an increase in the PSA rate indicates prostate hypertrophy.

There are 2 values of the prostate antigen in the blood: in bound and free form. Their total amount forms the total PSA. When diagnosing pancreatic pathologies, the ratio of PSA of the free fraction to its total level in percentage terms is taken into account.

Then the indicator will be: (0.97/ 5.5) x 100% 17%.

So, in the case of a favorable prognosis, the value will be 15-70%, and if it is less than 15%, then there is a malignant neoplasm. The normal value for a total PSA is 4 ng/ml.

However, such an indicator often indicated pathologies of the pancreas. And clinical studies have revealed that in this case, a third of patients had a cancerous tumor unnoticed. Therefore, it was decided to reduce the rate to 2.5 ng / ml. It is this indicator that indicates a healthy pancreas.

If there is a suspicion of the development of a cancerous tumor in the pancreas, examine the free fraction of PSA. Normally, this type of antigen should be 0.93 ng / ml. It rises in the case of existing benign formations and decreases in oncology.

When deciphering the analysis, it is important to take into account the fact that sometimes the antigen is overestimated as a result of an operation on the prostate performed on the eve of taking the analysis, or a viral inflammation of the organ.

An elevated prostate antigen combined with other tests such as an MRI or TRUS may be a reason to refer the patient for a biopsy (taking samples of prostate tissue for further examination).

Today, this is the only method that determines the nature of neoplasms with a 100% guarantee (confirms or excludes cancer).

Preparing for a blood test for PSA

It's pretty simple. To obtain the most reliable results and avoid retesting, each patient must know and strictly follow the rules for preparing for the PSA test. It will not be difficult.

Just follow these conditions:

• diet. Testing - only on an empty stomach. The best time is before 10 am. And not earlier than 8 hours (or more) after the last meal.Before testing, you can drink some plain water. 2 days before the analysis, you need to change your usual diet. You should not drink sugary juices or drinks, coffee and tea, any alcohol. Food should not be spicy, fried or fatty;
• physical activity. The day before the test, you should beware of physical overexertion. Give up cycling, do not lift weights, do not go to the gym;
• sexual relations. They must be excluded 2 days before the test. Ejaculation at a later time will result in an increase in PSA values. It is even better to refrain from the act 5-7 days before testing;
• prostate manipulation. After an ultrasound of the prostate, at least a week should pass. If deep massage, rectal palpation or removal of the urinary catheter was used, then 2 weeks or more should elapse before the start of the study. And if a prostate biopsy was performed, then at least a month.

What else can not be done?

Also, you can't:

• perform ergometry, pancreatic cystoscopy - 6-7 weeks;
• resection of prostate fragments - 4 weeks. Any surgical intervention is contraindicated;
• perform laser treatment;
• Take medication that can increase libido - 2 weeks before the test;
• to smoke. Ideally, tobacco should be given up one day before the start of the analysis. If this is too difficult for you, try to wait at least 2 hours before taking the test;
• A number of drugs are also subject to exclusion. For example, if a patient is prescribed medications for the treatment of pancreatic adenoma (for example, Finasteride or Penester), then in preparation for the test, their treatment is temporarily suspended.

Optimal time for testing

The best period for testing is in the morning hours (until 10-11 am). This is done because most of the analytes are unstable during the day.

Remember that at least 8 hours must have passed since the last meal. If the analysis involves the detection of triglycerides in the blood plasma, then the "hungry interval" increases to 12 hours.

During this period, the patient can only drink some water (non-carbonated) and, of course, not eat anything. It is important! By the beginning of testing, the man should be rested, on the eve it is advisable to avoid unrest, try not to be nervous.

Biomaterial is taken from a vein. This is preferable because the blood cells are less destroyed this way. Usually about 2 ml of blood is expressed, this volume is quite enough for further research.

If the patient suddenly feels unwell before the analysis (which may be due to forced starvation): dizzy, or fainting is possible - in this case, blood sampling is taken from him in the lie position.

For a more accurate diagnosis in men, a detailed detailed clinical analysis is carried out. And studies to detect free PSA are carried out to confirm diagnostic assumptions.

When there is a suspicion of cancer, a clinical analysis and blood taken to identify the free fraction are carried out simultaneously.

If the result shows a high PSA, the patient must be re-examined. Of course, the age of the man will be taken into account. High prostate antigen values are tracked based on several blood tests. If there is a stable increase in PSA, the patient is recommended to do a biopsy of the prostate.

When receiving the results of the analysis, the patient pays attention to the amount of antigen in the blood. And here it is important to understand that often the PSA level falls into the "gray zone" (between normal values and up to 10 ng / ml), which does not always mean oncological growth.

In 70% of these cases, high prostate antigen numbers are caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. And only a very large excess of the norm (more than 100 ng / ml) speaks of oncology.

Prostatitis can also increase PSA levels. It is diagnosed in a third of young men. Thus, an accurate diagnosis can be made only after additional studies.

In addition, enzyme immunoassay can be offered. If this blood test also shows a positive result, then the probability of oncology is very high.

In this case, doctors insist on urgent surgical intervention. Another effective prostate treatment is laser blood cleansing. It is carried out in combination with the indicated instrumental and drug therapy.

There are cases when the PSA is normal, but the patient is palpable in the prostate seal. In this case, a second study is scheduled after 3 months.

What happens if you do not properly prepare for the study?

The test will not pass correctly, and the result will show inflated PSA numbers.

The patient will definitely be sent for repeated tests. And this is additional excitement and stress for a man. Therefore, it is better to immediately thoroughly prepare for testing in order to exclude a false result.

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Responsible attitude to your well-being and strict implementation of the recommendations of the urologist will minimize the harm caused to men's health by prostate diseases.