| Interpretation of % Free PSA: |
|
| For apparently heatlhy persons with total PSA levels between 4.0 - 10.0 ng/mL and normal DRE (digital rectal examination): |
| % Free PSA | | Interpretation |
| > 25% | | 93 %ile est. probability of being cancer free |
| 16 - 25% | | 73 %ile est. probability of being cancer free |
| 7 - 15% | | 52 %ile est. probability of being cancer free |
| < 7% | | 7 %ile est. probability of being cancer free |
|
| The % free PSA test aids in differentiating prostate cancer from benign conditions such as BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) and aids in the decision for further confirmatory procedures such as biopsy. These tests are generally accompanied by a digital rectal examination (DRE). The % free PSA test is recommended for use when the DRE examination is not suspicious for cancer and the total PSA value is in the range 4 to 10 ng/mL. However, it has been shown that PSA values increase with age, and normal upper limits for adults between 60 to 80 years old may vary between 4.0-7.2 ng/mL. Therefore, clinical assessment is an important adjunct to the interpretation of the % free PSA. |