Do You Have to Fast Before Taking a PSA Blood Test?
Quick Answer
Patients usually do not need to fast before having a prostate-specific antigen blood test, according to MedlinePlus. It is important for patients to inform their doctors of their current medications, as certain medicines may falsely lower the PSA level.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
A PSA test may be performed as a screening tool for prostate cancer or to determine if prostate cancer has returned after treatment is finished, explains MedlinePlus. Doctors may also order a PSA test if a patient's prostate exam is abnormal. Several conditions lead to elevated PSA levels, including enlarged prostates, prostatitis, prostate cancer and urinary tract infections. When determining the significance of an elevated PSA level, a doctor considers factors such as the patient's age, risk factors and PSA level history.
Learn more about Medical Ranges & LevelsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Is a Normal Number for the Ra PSA Blood Test?
A: The normal number for the Ra PSA blood test varies based on the age of the patient, according to WebMD. The PSA blood test measures the blood's level of pr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is an Alkaline Phosphate Blood Test?
A: An alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, blood test measures the body's level of ALP, which is a protein existing in all body tissues, explains MedlinePlus. The bo... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do You Find Out If You Have Elevated Red Blood Cells?
A: An elevated RBC level is diagnosed with a test called the RBC count, explains MedlinePlus. The test determines how many red blood cells are present in a sa... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is a Healthy Blood Platelet Count?
A: A normal platelet count following a blood test is in the range of 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter, MedlinePlus reports. However, this range may... Full Answer >Filed Under:
