Technology Assessment
Speciality
Output Type
Expected
Technology Assessment
Speciality
Output Type
Expected
What were we asked to look at?
We were asked to review the evidence on how long total and free prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels remain stable in blood and serum samples.
Why is this important?
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the levels of PSA in a man’s blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
It has been suggested that blood samples taken for PSA testing should be processed by a laboratory within 16 hours of being taken from the patient. After this time the PSA level in the sample may have dropped if the PSA molecule breaks down in the blood sample before it is tested. If this happens, men may be told their PSA test results are normal when in fact they were elevated. This could result in cases of prostate cancer going undetected.
Referred by
Clinical Lead for Cancer Performance and Earlier Diagnosis – Centre for Sustainable Delivery