Hormones
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
Hormones
Prostate screening marker. Elevated in prostate enlargement, inflammation or cancer.
VAT-exempt medical service
Let's be upfront: PSA testing can feel scary. But knowledge is power, and an elevated PSA doesn't automatically mean cancer. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, and small amounts circulate in every man's blood. When levels rise, it could be inflammation, benign enlargement, or yes — it could be cancer. The point of testing isn't to panic. It's to know where you stand so you can make informed decisions, early.
PSA testing is commonly used as a screening tool for men over 50, for those with a family history of prostate cancer, and to track changes over time. If a previous PSA was on the low side, a follow-up can confirm stability. If you're making lifestyle changes, PSA can show whether they're moving the needle.
What a high value can mean
PSA above 3 microg/L is higher than expected. It might be prostate inflammation (prostatitis) or prostate cancer — but a single high reading doesn't mean automatic intervention. Age, ethnicity, prostate size, and clinical context all matter. Older men and men of African descent tend to have naturally higher levels. One elevated result shouldn't cause alarm, but it does warrant follow-up.
What a low value can mean
Lower PSA suggests reduced prostate cancer risk, but very low levels don't completely rule it out. The percent-free PSA ratio can add nuance. Worth noting: long-term use of dutasteride or finasteride can cut PSA by up to 50%.
Do not ejaculate for 24 hours before the test. If having a digital rectal exam, do the PSA test first. Wait several weeks after a prostate biopsy. Bring valid ID. If you take a supplement containing biotin (often sold for hair and nails), pause it for two days before the test, as high doses can distort the result.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
No. PSA is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. An elevated result means further investigation — imaging, additional blood work, or biopsy — to find out what's actually going on.
Free PSA is the portion not bound to proteins. A lower percent-free PSA may signal higher cancer risk, while a higher percentage often points to a benign cause.
Guidelines vary. It's important to read Socialstyrelsens riktlinjer and discuss the benefits and limitations with your doctor before testing.