Cancer Screening
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test Preparation: Fasting
- Blood draw
- Cancer Screening
- Prep checklist included
At a glance
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test: prep snapshot
- Sample type
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Fasting is generally not required for a PSA Total test, but some labs may request it.
- Best collection time
- A blood sample can be collected at any time of day.
- Typical turnaround
- Varies by collection lab
- Category
- Cancer Screening
Preparing for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test starts with three questions: whether you need to fast, when to collect, and what to bring. The PSA Total test is a blood test that measures the total amount of prostate-specific antigen in your bloodstream.
What the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test measures
The test measures the total concentration of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA is considered a tumor marker, and total PSA levels can help indicate prostate health. Results are reported as a numeric value, typically in nanograms per milliliter.
- Total PSA
- Prostate cancer screening
- Prostate monitoring
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test prep, step by step
Standard preparation generally suffices for this test. Confirm any timing or fasting instructions with your testing location before your appointment.
- Confirm with your lab whether fasting is required before the blood draw.
- Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the test, as it can temporarily raise PSA levels.
- Avoid vigorous exercise or bicycle riding for 24 to 48 hours before the test.
- Tell the lab if you have had a recent prostate exam, urinary infection, or prostate procedure.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements you take, as some can affect PSA levels.
- Stay hydrated and wear a short-sleeved shirt for easy blood collection.
Fasting, timing, sample type, and what to bring
Fasting
Fasting is generally not required for a PSA Total test, but some labs may request it. Confirm with your lab.
Best time to collect
A blood sample can be collected at any time of day. Schedule the draw before a digital rectal exam or prostate procedure if possible, and confirm the best timing with your lab.
Sample type
Blood draw. The collector will explain the process before starting.
What to bring
- Your printed lab order or requisition form — the ordering physician prepares it for you after you order, and you print it (or fax it from your account) before visiting
- Your order confirmation email, in case the collection site asks to see it
- Water to drink before the draw and a light snack for afterward, if your test requires fasting
- A government-issued photo ID (most collection sites verify identity at check-in)
- A written list of the medications and supplements you currently take
- A short-sleeved or loose-sleeved shirt for an easy blood draw
You do not need an insurance card or a payment method at the collection site: the lab does not bill insurance, and you pay at order time, so there is no copay or deductible. The lab also provides the physician's requisition, so you do not need a separate doctor's referral.
Order process and what-to-bring details reflect the lab's published instructions, paraphrased in our own words. Confirm final requirements with the collection lab that will perform your draw.
The collection visit, step by step
A healthcare professional draws a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the process usually takes only a few minutes.
Details worth confirming with the collection lab before your visit:
- Does this test require fasting?
- Should I avoid ejaculation or vigorous exercise before the draw?
- When will my results be available?
Why the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total Test may be ordered
A clinician may order a PSA Total test to screen for prostate cancer or to monitor treatment in someone with a known prostate condition. It can also help evaluate symptoms such as difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
Understanding your results
Reference ranges for total PSA can vary by laboratory and by age, so your results should be interpreted using the range provided by the testing lab. Your clinician will consider your results along with your history and other findings.
General test information is compiled from publicly available reference material, including MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), and is reviewed for clarity. Preparation and what-to-bring details reflect the lab's published instructions, paraphrased into our own words. Preparation instructions, timing, and pricing vary by collection lab — always confirm them with the lab that will perform your draw.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a PSA Total test?
Fasting is usually not required, but some labs may ask you to fast. Confirm with your lab before the test.
Can recent activity affect my PSA result?
Yes. Ejaculation, vigorous exercise, bicycle riding, and recent prostate exams or procedures can temporarily raise PSA levels. Follow your lab's instructions.
How long does it take to get results?
Turnaround is typically 1 to 3 business days, though this can vary by laboratory. Ask your lab for its expected timeline.
Is this test used only for cancer screening?
It is often used for screening, but it can also help monitor prostate conditions and treatment. Your clinician will explain why it was ordered for you.