From the Guidelines
The primary lab tests used to evaluate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) include prostate-specific antigen (PSA), urinalysis, and post-void residual (PVR) measurement, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Laboratory Tests for BPH Evaluation
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): PSA testing is crucial for screening prostate cancer, which can present with symptoms similar to BPH. Elevated PSA levels, particularly those significantly higher than 10 ng/mL, warrant further investigation for malignancy 1.
- Urinalysis: This test is performed to rule out urinary tract infections or hematuria that might suggest other conditions. It is a fundamental part of the initial evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) possibly attributed to BPH 1.
- Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement: PVR assessment is recommended in the initial evaluation and during follow-up to assess the response to therapy and to evaluate urinary retention, which can be a complication of BPH 1.
Additional Tests
Additional tests such as uroflowmetry to evaluate urinary flow rate may be considered in select patients, especially those who do not respond to initial treatments or have complex medical histories 1.
Importance of Recent Guidelines
The most recent guidelines from 2021 1 emphasize the importance of a thorough medical history, physical examination, and the use of symptom scores like the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in the initial evaluation of BPH. These guidelines prioritize patient counseling on treatment options, including behavioral modifications, medical therapy, and procedural options, underscoring a patient-centered approach to managing BPH.
From the Research
Lab Tests for Evaluating BPH
The following lab tests are used to evaluate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
- Digital rectal examination (mandatory) 2
- International Prostate Symptom Score (recommended) 2
- Creatinine measurement (or renal ultrasound) (recommended) 2
- Uroflowmetry (recommended) 2, 3, 4
- Postvoid residual urine volume (recommended) 2
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (used to detect prostate carcinoma) 5, 6
- Ultrasound (used to investigate palpable abnormalities and identify unexpected prostatic cancer) 3
- Blood pressure tests (used to monitor patients) 4
- Urine tests (used to monitor patients) 4
Additional Tests
Other tests that may be used to evaluate BPH include: