Book PSA Test — Purpose, Normal Range & Price

Key facts about the Prostate Specific Antigen test
Also Known As	Prostate Specific Antigen Test, Total PSA Test, Free PSA Test, Prostate Cancer Marker Test
Sample Type	Blood (venous)
Fasting Required	Not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
Report Delivery	Within 24 hours of sample collection
Age Group	Men above 40 years (screening from 40 for high-risk groups; routine screening from 50)
Gender	Male
Test Type	Tumour marker / Prostate health screening test
Units	ng/mL (nanograms per millilitre)

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced exclusively by the prostate gland. The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland in men located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. PSA is normally present in small amounts in the blood of all adult men. However, when the prostate gland is enlarged, inflamed, or affected by cancer, it produces significantly higher amounts of PSA which are released into the bloodstream and can be detected through this test. PSA is the most widely used blood marker for prostate health and is a cornerstone of prostate cancer screening in men above 50 years of age across India and globally. While an elevated PSA does not automatically confirm prostate cancer, it is a critical early warning signal that prompts further investigation. Prostate cancer is among the top ten most common cancers in Indian men and its incidence is rising with increasing life expectancy and adoption of sedentary lifestyles. Early detection through PSA testing significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. The test involves a simple blood draw of approximately 2 ml from a vein in the arm and is completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe a PSA test in the following situations: Screening for prostate cancer in men above 50 years of age as part of a routine annual health checkup, or from the age of 40 in men with a family history of prostate cancer or those belonging to high-risk groups. Investigating urinary symptoms in men such as frequent urination especially at night, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, or blood in the urine or semen. These symptoms can indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or prostate cancer. Monitoring known prostate cancer in patients who are under active surveillance, on hormone therapy, or who have undergone surgery or radiation treatment. Rising PSA after treatment is one of the earliest indicators of cancer recurrence. Diagnosing prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland, where PSA levels are frequently elevated even in the absence of cancer. Evaluating benign prostatic hyperplasia, an age-related non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that is extremely common in Indian men above 60 years of age and causes significant urinary symptoms. Assessing the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment including radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or androgen deprivation therapy, where a falling PSA confirms a positive treatment response.

The PSA test measures the concentration of Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood, reported in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). Normal PSA Range in India PSA levels increase naturally with age as the prostate gland grows larger over time. The age-adjusted reference ranges followed by most Indian urologists and diagnostic laboratories are as follows. For men between 40 and 49 years of age, a normal PSA level is below 2.5 ng/mL. For men between 50 and 59 years of age, a normal PSA level is below 3.5 ng/mL. For men between 60 and 69 years of age, a normal PSA level is below 4.5 ng/mL. For men above 70 years of age, a normal PSA level is below 6.5 ng/mL. Interpreting PSA Results A PSA level between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL is considered the grey zone where the risk of prostate cancer is present but not conclusive. Approximately 25% of men in this range are found to have prostate cancer on biopsy. A PSA level above 10.0 ng/mL is associated with a significantly elevated risk of prostate cancer and almost always warrants further investigation including a prostate biopsy. PSA Velocity, which is the rate of change in PSA over time, is considered by many urologists to be as important as the absolute PSA value. A rapid rise in PSA over consecutive tests is a stronger indicator of cancer than a single elevated reading. Free PSA Ratio In cases where total PSA falls in the grey zone between 4 and 10 ng/mL, doctors often order a Free PSA test alongside the total PSA. A low free PSA ratio below 10% increases the likelihood of prostate cancer while a higher ratio above 25% suggests a benign cause such as BPH or prostatitis.

Preparation for a PSA test requires specific attention as several common activities can temporarily raise PSA levels and produce misleading results. Avoid ejaculation for at least 48 hours before the test. Sexual activity and ejaculation can cause a transient rise in PSA that may persist for up to 48 hours. Avoid vigorous cycling, motorcycle riding, or any activity that puts direct pressure on the perineum for at least 48 hours before the test as these activities can mechanically stimulate the prostate and elevate PSA. Avoid prostate examination or prostate massage by a doctor in the 48 hours before the test as these procedures directly stimulate the prostate and raise PSA levels. Urinary tract infections and prostatitis can significantly elevate PSA. If you have an active urinary infection or prostate inflammation, inform your doctor before booking as they may advise delaying the test until the infection has been treated. Fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. Continue all prescribed medications unless your doctor has specifically advised otherwise.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the PSA test price starts at approximately Rs. 600. The exact price will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside PSA, SecondMedic health packages include PSA as part of a broader men's health or cancer screening panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for PSA test across all major areas of India. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your address.