post-prostatectomy PSA test

[Guest guest]

I recently received my latest PSA results. The result was 0.1 ng/ml. This

result was higher than my normal <0.04 ng/ml which I've be getting for the last

three years. I checked with the lab and determined that my doc had written a

script for the " run of the mill " PSA test which was coded as #5363. What he

should have asked for was a " post-prostatectomy PSA " test, coded as #14808.

A small write-up for this test states:

" 14808 This test is performed using the DPC IMMULITE 2000 method. For

post-prostatectomy patients. The lower limit of accurate quantification for this

assay is 0.01 ng/mL. PSA values less than 0.01 ng/mL cannot be accurately

measured and will be reported as less than 0.01 ng/mL. Specimens with PSA levels

below the lower limit of accurate quantification should be considered as

negative. In patients with a negative result for post-prostatectomy PSA, serial

monitoring of PSA levels at regular intervals. along with physical examinations

and other tests, may help to detect recurrent prostate cancer. "

Who Knew??

Ron