Normal Values:

Normal values vary with age. Older men typically have slightly higher PSA measurements than younger men. African Americans normally have slightly higher values than white men.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

A high PSA level has been linked to an increased chance of having prostate cancer. However, a high PSA level does not mean that you definitely have prostate cancer. A high PSA level only identifies patients at higher risk of having prostate cancer. People at higher risk may need to have more tests.

A PSA of 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) is abnormally high for most men and may indicate the need for a prostate biopsy.

Keep in mind that although PSA testing is an important tool for detecting prostate cancer, it is not foolproof.

Greater-than-normal PSA levels may indicate:

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Prostate cancer
• Prostatitis
• Prostate infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Recent urinary catheterization
• Recent urinary tract operation