THE EFFECT OF TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY (TRUS) INCLUDING DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION (DRE) OF THE PROSTATE ON THE LEVEL OF PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA)
Mlf. Klomp et al., THE EFFECT OF TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY (TRUS) INCLUDING DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION (DRE) OF THE PROSTATE ON THE LEVEL OF PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA), British Journal of Urology, 73(1), 1994, pp. 71-74
Objective To study the effect of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in
cluding digital rectal examination (DRE) of the prostate on serum pros
tate specific antigen (PSA). Patients and methods In a diagnostic cent
re for general practitioners serum PSA was determined in patients befo
re, immediately after, and one week after TRUS including DRE. In a sma
ll group of patients PSA was determined at various times after DRE and
TRUS. Results The PSA levels showed a statistically significant rise
of 20% immediately after DRE and TRUS. After 7 days the PSA levels had
returned to their initial levels. This decrease appeared to occur wit
hin the first 24 h. Conclusion When applying the diagnostic triad PSA,
DRE and TRUS blood samples for PSA should preferably be taken before
DRE and TRUS. If blood samples are taken afterwards, it is safe to do
so after seven days.