From the Guidelines
It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours after ejaculation before having blood drawn for a PSA test, as results are more reliable if the patient has abstained from ejaculation for this period. This guideline is based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines in oncology for prostate cancer early detection, as outlined in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1. The NCCN guidelines suggest that if a patient has not abstained from ejaculation for 48 hours, the test should be repeated after this abstention period, especially if the original sample was marginally elevated 1.
Some key points to consider when preparing for a PSA test include:
- Avoiding ejaculation for at least 48 hours before the test to ensure more reliable results 1
- Informing healthcare providers about any medications that may affect PSA levels, such as finasteride, androgen receptor blockers, or dutasteride 1
- Being aware that failure to have a substantial decrease in PSA levels (approximately 50%) or an increase while on these medications can be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer 1
By following these guidelines and considering these factors, patients and healthcare providers can work together to ensure the most accurate PSA test results, which is crucial for proper clinical assessment and decision-making regarding prostate health.
From the Research
Recommended Time Interval After Ejaculation for PSA Test
- The recommended time interval after ejaculation before drawing blood for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is at least 48 hours, as ejaculation can cause a significant increase in serum PSA concentration that may persist for up to 48 hours 2.
- A study found that 92% of subjects returned to baseline PSA levels by 24 hours, and 97% returned to baseline by 48 hours, suggesting that a 48-hour abstention period is sufficient to minimize the effects of ejaculation on PSA levels 2.
- No other studies provided specific recommendations for the time interval after ejaculation before drawing blood for a PSA test, but they discussed various aspects of PSA testing, such as its diagnostic accuracy and the importance of considering laboratory issues in clinical practice 3, 4, 5, 6.