PSA in female urine: A prospective study involving 217 women

Histomorphological studies provide evidence of PSA-producing tissue in the female urethra, urine samples from women in small series partially showed P SA positivity. To date, there is no systematic investigation on this subjec t. In a prospective study we analysed whether PSA occurs in urine of women and which factors induce detectable PSA values. The urine of 217 unselected women was measured (Hybritech Tandem E-PSA) under standardized conditions. pH and volume dependence was investigated and results correlated with clin ical data (age, residual urine, infection status, sexual intercourse [SI] w ithin 48 hours). 11 % had a positive PSA Value above the detection limit of 0.1 ng/ml. The mean for all PSA values in unmodified urines was 0.047 ng/m l. pH correction did not results in a significant difference. Voiding volum e had no influence on PSA level. In case of detectable PSA, women under 50 years of age (n=14) had a mean PSA of 0.34 ng/ml and those over 50 (n=9) a mean of 0.23 ng/ml. 1/9 women with and 22/208 without residual urine were P SA-positive, as were 0/20 and 23/197 without urinary tract infection, 3/7 w ith an 20/210 without St. (Alt differences not significant.) Urine PSA is d etected in 11% of all women. The PSA value seems to be age depending. Any u rine portion is suitable for analysis. No influence of residual urine, infe ction status or sexual intercourse was determined.