Post Op PSA query

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I had this done earlier this week 8 weeks after surgery, the result came back as less than ( with the left arrow) 0.1 , I was concerned as I see people after op talk of results being 0.01 not 0.1,

i called the doctors where I had the PSA done and they sounded confused they were under the impression that the test can’t test for lower figures than the 0.1

i then emailed the result to my surgeon and had conflicting advice as his CNS asked me to check if I had a “ ultra sensitive PSA test “ I had never heard of this and neither had the doctor but apparently you can get these but very few and far between where, I then though had a direct email from the surgeon with the words “ Perfect , Undetectable”

I have a video call with him on Wed to discuss further but just wondered if anyone had any thoughts as I can’t weigh up how I keep reading about people talking about results down to the 0.01 level where mine can’t detect less than the 0.1 level and it seems that the ultra sensitive tests that reach that level are so rare ?

Stampede 46 minutes ago

Hi Fantic.

It seems your PSA result reads <0.1

This is a good result. Your PSA is undetectable within the capability of this particular test. Take this as very good news.

Do you need a more sensitive PSA test? This question is a source of much debate in the post prostatectomy world.

The reason many doctors prefer the test you had done is the fact that PSA detected at lower levels would not indicate the need for more treatment until it reached that 0.1 level. They would tell you ultra sensitive PSA tests are not clinically useful and only cause needless anxiety.

So what is the use for the ultra sensitive PSA tests? These test have significant statistical value. If your PSA is undetectable to the <0.01 level, you are much less likely to have a recurrance than someone who had a detectable PSA at any higher level.

Likewise, a PSA test that goes to the <0.03 level is very good statistically. This is the test that I use. This means I am still not likely to have a recurrence even if I do have some PSA at a level lower than that.

If a post prostatectomy PSA reading is .04 or higher, a recurrence is statistically more likely.

Always be aware of the less than(<) sign in this conversation. Your <0.1 is preferable to a 0.04 reading since 0.04 is detectable and <0.1 is not.

Basically it is a matter of how much information you are comfortable with. A more sensitive PSA test is not likely to change any treatment decisions in any event.

I find it a bit frustrating that many doctors don't know these details or simply don't want to take the time to explain it all.

Personally, I take some comfort rather than anxiety from my ultra sensitive PSA test as I have been <0.03 going on 4 years now.

I hope your PSA remains undetectable as well.

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