Plasma

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

3 mL whole blood in light green top or TWO Microtainer^® devices.

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

   Age     Reference Range
Up to 50   0.00-2.50 ng/mL
50 - 59    0.00-3.50 ng/mL
60 - 69    0.00-4.50 ng/mL
> 70       0.00-6.50 ng/mL

Age specific normal values from the literature for PSA are provided as 
a guide only.  No one decision level is appropriate when utilizing PSA 
in screening situation.  Age, family history, previous values, and 
other factors should be used in decisions involving PSA values.

Assay updated with increased tolerance to biotin on 11/9/21.

See: "PSA, Total" to order monitoring PSA test. PSA measurement used in conjunction with DRE (digital rectal exam) is indicated as an aid for the detection of prostate cancer in men aged 50 years or older, must be identified as PSA for screening. It is also useful in monitoring patients with known prostate cancer. PSA is specific to the prostate gland and is present in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic prostatic epithelium. Plasma elevations are detected in not only prostate carcinoma, but also in benign prostatic hypertrophy and inflammatory conditions of the prostate and adjacent genitourinary tissues. Diagnosis of prostate cancer requires biopsy and histopathologic examination.

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells.
Separate plasma or serum into labeled container and cap.

Refrigerate.

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

See also:
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Total, Plasma