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Protocol for PSA Tests After Prostatectomy

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Posted 1/10/2025 8:53 AM (GMT -5)
I'm due to have my first PSA test post-surgery in about 2 weeks. It will be an ultra-sensitive one.

I know for men with prostates there is a strict protocol of no sex or heavy exertion for 3 days prior to the test. Does this still apply for men without prostates? If so, I'm curious as to why it would potentially affect the results because there's no prostate there to be stimulated by these activities.

Please share your insight.
Posted 1/10/2025 2:25 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Jason - Sounds like you are getting your PSA at 3 mos and the higher sensitivity test which all makes sense.

I have not heard of any special precautions before a PSA test absent a prostate. I think, like all lab testing, it is not a good idea to not do anything extreme the day before that might affect results. Tiny amounts of PSA can be generated elsewhere in the body which was never a concern until the super ultra sensitive testing (0.xxx) came along. The risk is almost nonexistent but not that hard to behave the day before for peace of mind.
Posted 1/10/2025 2:45 PM (GMT -5)
I've never heard anything either way about your question. A key point for you going forward, is to do your best to have this--and all future tests--under as near as possible the same conditions. Time of day, whether or not you're fasting, diet, etc.

For this one, particularly, be cautious--your goal, of course, is to get a very low reading--hopefully non-detectable.

Please keep us up to date.
Posted 1/22/2025 2:14 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the feedback.

Well, tomorrow is the day. I've never fasted for PSA tests before so won't for this one. I plan to go mid-morning. PSA tests have always produced some anxiety but this one is unique as it will really let me know how well the surgery went.

With regular PSA tests, I got the results the same day on the portal but was told the lab has to send the ultra-sensitive test out so I won't get results for 2 weeks. I'm hoping it won't actually be that long.

My follow-up appt with my surgeon/urologist is set for 2/13/25. I hope he doesn't block the results until I see him.
Posted 1/22/2025 3:27 PM (GMT -5)
Which lab?

When I was getting the specific ultrasensitive from quest it took 2 DAYS not weeks. They did ship it to a lab in California.
Posted 1/22/2025 4:12 PM (GMT -5)
I'll be going to a Lahey lab. It's the same medical affiliation as the hospital where I had my prostatectomy.

Two weeks does seem like a very long time but it took me longer to get my post-surgery pathology than most patients so it might be a Lahey thing.
Posted 1/22/2025 8:51 PM (GMT -5)
I am pretty sure your doctor cannot “block” test results as a result of rules established in 2021. There is always the problem of results taking a while like pathology or testing sent to special labs but the patient is entitled to see results when available which is easy today with electronic records.

I was at the hospital one time and results were popping up on my phone faster than I could read them, they were all negative but I could look them up to see what they were for before doctor came back.
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