Here we go...

RP 3/11. In 2019 I had two readings of .15 then back undetectable. Monthly checks with lab Corp all at <.006 until November 2024. Got a .014. Then had to go to Quest in December and it showed .09 . Quest took a week to get results. Getting a labcorp test in January and see what's going on. Any bets?

Post Edited (lowandslow) : 12/14/2024 8:05:26 PM (GMT-5)

At those levels, changes in the 3rd decimal place are only of interest if they repeat or move upward over time.

It's a statistical thing.

Just understand that you probably need to be up as high as 0.2, over several months and repeated tests, to even get anyone interested in looking for something on a scan.

As mattam says, stick with the same test monthly. You want the repeat testing to give you knowledge about (1) the most accurate knowledge of where your PSA is now; (2) whether there is an upward trend; and (3) an estimate of the rate of rise (doubling time), if it is rising. IMO Labcorp's 3-decimal "ultrasensitive" test is better suited for this purpose than Quest's "post-RP" test for men who may want early or very-early salvage treatment.

Ultimately, it is really important to do your tests as consistently as possible. Same time of day, similar diet, similar hydration levels, same test site, etc. The goal is to eliminate as many variables as possible.

If you see a wide fluctuation from test to test--how many variables have changed?

The key point is that as long as you are below 0.2, scans will have a hard time finding the source--and you might well be years away from that.

The fact that you were previously detectable then back to undetectable for a long time, tells me the only thing required here is some slightly heightened level of vigilance. But no reason whatsoever to be concerned, at least at this point