The Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) test measures the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. This test is primarily used to screen for prostate cancer and monitor its progression in males.

In males, elevated levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Therefore, further diagnostic tests are usually required to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

It is important to note that the Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) test is not specific to prostate cancer and can yield false-positive or false-negative results. Age, race, family history, and certain medications can also affect PSA levels. Therefore, the test should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and individual risk factors.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Prostate Specific Antigen