Take Charge of Your Prostate Health
We are advocates for prostate cancer awareness, screening, and prevention.
What You Need to Know About the PSA Test
The PSA blood test is a simple way to check your prostate health. It can detect issues early when they are most treatable. Working together with a First Call Urology provider, you can weigh the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. This team approach, known as shared decision-making, puts your needs and preferences at the center of the decision, making sure it's the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PSA test?
A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue in the prostate gland
Why get a PSA test?
The PSA test can help detect prostate cancer early when it is most treatable. Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. For many men, knowing their PSA level provides reassurance about their prostate health
Is the PSA test Perfect?
- No test is perfect, but the PSA test is currently the best prostate cancer screening tool
- Some men with prostate cancer have normal PSA levels
- Some men with elevated PSA levels do not have cancer
How often should I be screened?
Screening frequency depends on your age, risk factors, and previous PSA levels. After a member of our team evaluates your personal profile, we would be better able to answer this question. Typically, it's once per year.
Can diet or lifestyle affect PSA results?
Yes, certain activities like vigorous exercise (especially cycling), ejaculation, and some medications can temporarily increase PSA levels.
What happens if my PSA is high?
You will have a follow up appointment with a First Call Urology provider and discuss next steps.
What if my PSA doubles quickly?
If your PSA more than doubles within a year or less, we monitor this closely as it can indicate an issue. We call this a high velocity PSA and would repeat the test in 6 months or less to track the trend. This would be done even if the PSA is within a "normal" range.
- A diagnosis is made or ruled out based on several factors, including the results of the biopsy
Who Should Get Screened
Anyone Born with A Prostate age 45+
Everyone born with a prostate (men and transgender women) should understand their personal prostate cancer risk
Family history
If close relatives have had prostate cancer.
Individuals with Higher Risks
People born with a prostate of African descent, military personnel/Veterans, and those with a family history of cancer should consider having a PSA test done at age 40
Urinary symptoms
Discuss any concerns with your First Call Urology Provider.
Preparing for Your PSA Test
Before a PSA test, AVOID:
Ejaculation or masturbation for 48 hours before testing
Vigorous exercise including bicycling
Screening & Assessment Tools
Complete this secure online form to help your provider assess your prostate health.
Onsite screening participants can skip this step. We will contact you with next steps and we appreciate your commitment to health.
Your PSA Testing Process
1
Obtain a PSA order from First Call Urology.
Once you submit the PSA Screening Survey we will send you a PSA order via the patient portal.
2
Schedule Lab Test
Use the links below to find the most convenient lab location for testing. First Call Urology partners with Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp.
3
Get Results
The PSA result will come directly to First Call Urology. It will be available on the patient portal. If a follow up appointment is required, due to an abnormal lab, we will contact you know to schedule the virtual or in clinic visit (if there is a participating clinic near you).
Find Participating Labs
Search by zip code via the links below
Access Your Results
View your PSA and other lab results safely online. Get guidance on what your results mean and next steps with your provider.
Additional Resources
Explore a variety of resources designed to support your prostate health journey:
Take the Next Step in Your Prostate Health
Connect with a First Call Urology provider for comprehensive care. Whether you need general urology services or prostate cancer screening, we're here to help.