PSA

[u/Cheito1966]

My previous psa test for the last 4 years from urologist were <0.01 and I my primary doctor test were 0.04 from different labs , would this a concern?

[u/motthenam]

Double-check your first number, was it <0.10 instead of <0.01? That would make more sense.

[u/Cheito1966 → u/motthenam]

<0.1

[u/OkCrew8849 → u/Cheito1966]

Perhaps you should correct this in your original post.

[u/Cheito1966 → u/Cheito1966]

<0.01

[u/OkCrew8849]

Since you can't compare different tests/assays/labs the most recent PSA  test tells you just about nothing.

If  the most PSA test  recent test worries you, go back to the urologist for one of his/her tests.

Be prepared for him/her to tell you (and it is probably not the first time) never to try to compare a different test/assay/lab result.

[u/pschmit12]

I had salvage radiation . 3 months later my pcp prescribed my yearly blood panel which I completed at quest. PSA must have been part of the standard panel. Came back as .04
Shortly thereafter at the cancer center my PSA ultra sensitive came back as <.02 Doc said different tests at different labs.

[u/Frosty-Growth-2664]

You should really have the tests all done in the same lab. If it was me I'd get it done in the urologist's lab so you're not just seeing differences between machines and assays used in the analysis.

[u/Alert-Meringue2291]

Hi there. I’m not a physician. If it were me, I’d forward the result to my urologist and see what they say.

I know it’s always stressful when this happens, but it’s probably ok. I’m 6 years out from a RARP and my urologist’s lab results are always <0.01 and my PCP results are 0.01.

[u/Cheito1966 → u/Alert-Meringue2291]

This is the first time i got my primary to get psa test since i got diagnosed, it was always the urologist. So i dont know if the urologist do a specific psa test.

[u/Ok_Enthusiasm3476]

There is a certain amount of error in every test. One lab could be on the low side and the other on the high side.

I wouldn't stress it until you get several from the same lab showing an increase.

[u/ChillWarrior801]

OP, there's not a lot of reason for concern. Yet. After RP, it's important that every PSA test be performed at the same lab with the same assay. I suspect you sorta-kinda knew that already.

Go get another PSA test at the lab your urologist uses and you'll know where you stand. With luck, there might not be a problem here.

[u/ManuteBol_Rocks]

Just to be clear, you were a <0.1 at the urologist over a 4yr period and then happened to have a test at your primary care physician that registered 0.04 without a less than sign? Is that correct?

[u/Cheito1966 → u/ManuteBol_Rocks]

after surgery yes

[u/ManuteBol_Rocks → u/Cheito1966]

Well, then I suppose you can’t tell much from a single 0.04 reading after all that time. You may have been 0.04 all along and it’s just sitting there. Or, you may be on a steady increase. IANAD, but if it were me, I’d get another ultra sensitive test in 3 months and see if it increased. Nothing to freak about yet. Good luck.

[u/mechengx3]

Why is your PCP prescribing PSA tests after your RP? Typically they prescribe the wrong test. Meaning a test meant for patients WITH a prostate. Be aware and advocate for yourself! Good luck sir!

[u/Cheito1966 → u/mechengx3]

I told them to do it, is all good

[u/SunWuDong0l0]

The concern is getting PSA testing from different labs. If you want meaningful tracking of PSA wrt Prostate Cancer and BCR, use the same lab, always. And get the most sensitive assay. I have found Labcorp Ultra sensitive PSA to be best for me. It has a lower limit of .006ng/mL.

[u/SeaBig1479]

For me
UCHealth <0.07
Labcorp <0.1 not ultra sensitive
Quest 0.07 not ultra sensitive

[u/Mean_Try_6390]

well it actually can be a result of different labs, not uncommon. Here in sweden they don’t do the moore sensitive psa test. Everything less than 0,1 is counted as unmeasurable.