A GUIDE TO THE INTERPRETATION OF SERUM PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVELS

Objectives: To review the factors that af feet the concentration of pr ostate specific antigen (PSA) In the serum. Results: The discussion in cludes the structure of PSA; its distribution and metabolism; various analytical aspects of PSA measurements; the effects of clinical manipu lations on PSA, including digital rectal examination, transrectal ultr asound, cystoscopy, biopsy and transurethral resection of the prostate ; factors affecting PSA levels in health, in benign disease, and in pr ostate cancer; the effect of various treatments on PSA; and the issue of reference ranges. Conclusion: Laboratory staff and physicians must take many factors into consideration when interpreting PSA results.