Confused by PSA tests -- Husband's PSA for past 3 yrs: <0.1; now (8/10/19) reported 0.05.

[Lyubov]

Recently moved & hubby has new urologist, new testing lab, etc. It seems a different type of PSA test was just done with the report of PSA 0.05. Would this be the same as 0.5 using previous testing method & laboratory? CONCERNED -- this then means more than doubling since test in early March 2019. Anyone out there, please help me understand. He does see urologist tomorrow, just so worried now. I'm also ill with LCa & other issues.

[Magnus1964]

You have to allow for different labs showing different results. Wait for a couple more tests from the new lab.

Moving is stressful which could account for an increase in PSA.

[tom67inMA]

Different labs/tests have different cutoffs for what is considered "undetectable". 0.05 is still <0.1, he may have been at 0.05 for the last three years.

[Hidden]

A lot of major medical centers don't show results lower than <0.1. Strangely the VA center I test at shows to the 2nd decimal. Not to worry. <0.1 could be 0.07, 0.05, 0.02, etc.

[Lyubov]

Thank you so much all of you who've responded. Your explanations are highly reassuring. I did think labs could make a difference. And in addition to stress of moving, I had lung surgery in May & totaled our car last month! So stress has been rather huge. He'll see urologist tomorrow & we now can hope for further reassurance. With much gratitude, Wreen

[ucladany in reply to Lyubov]

You are a strong woman. Both you and your husband are in my prayers.

[LearnAll]

I am aware of at least two different methods PSA is tested by different labs. Quest lab uses Siemens method which comes about 20% lower than the standard bennet method. Check which method your new lab is using.

[Shooter1]

Standard seems to be only one decimal---I have insisted on uPSA test of 3 decimals to follow trend....last year and a half trend has been no change at 0.130 area +- .0100. (0,120-0.140) Little bumps can be ignored unless trend up for 3 or more tests. 0.05 is great!!

[Tall_Allen]

No, 0.05 is one tenth of 0.5. 0.05 is less than ("<") 0.1. There has been no change.

[Lyubov in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks a million, Tall_Allen, for explaining this so clearly! I really trust your responses -- I read many of them & it's obvious that you are highly knowledgeable. I'll drop a post asap too after we see the uro tomorrow. Now it's off to the gym to keep up with the exercise commitments we've made!

[monte1111 in reply to Lyubov]

Sounds like everything is going well. I noticed you said off to the gym. Are you on a camel now? Best of luck and wishes.

[Lyubov in reply to monte1111]

Saw urologist today. He confirmed <0.05 is same as <0.1, thus hubby still "NED" -- no evidence of disease!

[Hidden]

Don’t take your eye off of the ball. Undetectable or <0.1 is all that matters. Ultra sensitive or uPSA tests have a tendency it create needless worry.....

GD

[larry_dammit]

Sounds like that undetectable on both counts. Great numbers

[Lyubov]

Thanks, you kind guys! See urologist later this a.m. I'll post afterwards.

[DoggieDaddy]

Find out whether their equipment has been recalculated and/or whether the PSA Assay is different from the previous Assay; might also be good to look into whether an Ultra-Sensitive Assay was used.

[Lyubov in reply to DoggieDaddy]

Just back from urologist. It was a different type of test & <0.05 is same as <0.1, nondetectable. Very good news!

[Lyubov]

Thanks again to all who responded. The urologist said <0.05 is the same as <0.1; different type of testing measurement used. Hubby has a new medical facility because we moved away from previous area. At any rate, we're very happy that he's still "NED" (no evidence of disease).

[j-o-h-n]

0.5 or 5.0 is extremely important when your measuring sizes in inches.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 08/14/2019 6:05 PM EDT

[Lyubov in reply to j-o-h-n]

LOL!!

[Muffin2019]

Mine went from .6 to 1.8,1.6 and settled at 1.9. I am on lupron every 3 months , the oncologist was not that concerned until it gets to 4 or above, scans showed healing of bone mets and no new lesions so I will just live on. Just got some meds for the hot flashes, sucks during the summer. He thinks it has reached what they call nadir.

[Lyubov in reply to Muffin2019]

So sorry you have those bad side effects. Hope the meds help with the hot flashes.

Best of luck to you!

[Patrick-Turner]

Stop worrying. If Psa was < 0.1, maybe your man was fine.

If they now can now measure 0.05 then this is half the 0.1 level.

But 0.5 would be a worry, because its 5 times higher than 0.1.

Figures and shiggers can be so confusing to many folks who don't

understand numbers and decimal points. In Australia we measure down to 0.01. And I have had countless Psa tests, and never had a false or wrong measurement.

Patrick Turner.

[Lyubov]

Thank you, Patrick. We saw urologist today & he confirmed this is good.