LabVals

All tests · Tumor Markers

Tumor Markers

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Normal range < 4.0 (age-dependent) ng/mL (< 4.0 µg/L SI). Specimen: Serum.

Also known as: prostate specific antigen.

< 4.0 (age-dependent) ng/mLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

SpecimenSerum
Conventional range< 4.0 (age-dependent) ng/mL
SI range< 4.0 µg/L
Conversion factor×1 (conventional → SI)
PanelTumor Markers

Convert any Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)?

The standard teaching reference range for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is < 4.0 (age-dependent) ng/mL in conventional units, or < 4.0 µg/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population — always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

Common causes of a high Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

  • Prostate cancer
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Prostatitis
  • Recent ejaculation, catheterization, or DRE

Below the range

Common causes of a low Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride) lower PSA

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • Screening and monitoring for prostate cancer, not diagnostic on its own.
  • Draw before, not after, a digital rectal exam or instrumentation.

Study aid

Your notes on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Same panel

More Tumor Markers tests

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)< 10 (nonpregnant adult) ng/mLBeta-hCG (Tumor Marker)< 5 (nonpregnant) mIU/mLCA 15-3< 30 U/mLCA 19-9< 37 U/mLCA-125< 35 U/mLCarcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)< 3.0 nonsmoker (< 5.0 smoker) ng/mL