Prostate Screening

About the Prostate Screening panel

PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by prostate tissue. A blood test measures how much is circulating, and elevated levels may be associated with prostate conditions worth investigating further.

This panel measures total PSA, the primary screening marker for prostate health.

This panel screens for elevated PSA levels. It does not diagnose prostate cancer or any other condition. Results should be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Who benefits from testing

PSA screening is most relevant for men who want a baseline or who have reasons to look closer.

• Men 50 and older following routine prostate health monitoring.
• Men 45 and older with a first-degree family history of prostate cancer.
• Men 40 and older with multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.
• Men of African ancestry, who statistically face higher incidence of prostate cancer and may benefit from earlier baseline testing starting at 40.
• Anyone experiencing urinary symptoms (frequent urination, weak stream, difficulty starting or stopping, nighttime waking to urinate) that have persisted without explanation.
• Men who have had a previous elevated PSA and want to track levels over time.

These are examples of who commonly screens, not medical recommendations. Discuss your individual screening decision with a healthcare provider.

Symptoms that may be worth investigating

Elevated PSA does not always cause symptoms, and symptoms do not always mean elevated PSA. Still, certain changes in urinary or pelvic function are often what prompt men to check.

• Urinating more frequently, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling that the bladder does not fully empty
• Pelvic pressure or discomfort
• Unexplained changes in sexual function

These symptoms have many possible causes. Testing gives you a data point to bring to a provider conversation.

What your results reveal

Total PSA measures the total amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. Levels above typical reference ranges may be associated with prostate enlargement, inflammation, or other prostate conditions, and may warrant further evaluation.

Reference ranges vary by lab and individual. Your provider will interpret your results in the context of your age, history, and prior PSA levels.

Why a single PSA result tells only part of the story

A single PSA reading is a snapshot. How that number changes over time (sometimes called PSA velocity) gives a provider more informative context than any one measurement alone. A level that rises significantly from one test to the next may carry different implications than a stable level in the same numeric range.

With a Superpower membership, your PSA results are stored alongside your full health history, making it easier to track trends over time and share a complete picture with your provider.

How it works

1. Add the panel to your Superpower order.
2. Schedule a blood draw at a local clinic or book an optional at-home visit from a trained phlebotomist (+$119). Samples are processed in a CLIA-certified lab.
3. Fast for 10 hours before your appointment. Water is fine.
4. Receive your results in your Superpower dashboard, typically within 10 days after your sample is processed.
5. Review your results with your Superpower care team or bring them to your own provider.

Understanding an elevated result

An elevated PSA level does not automatically indicate cancer. PSA can rise due to benign prostate enlargement (BPH), prostatitis (prostate inflammation), recent physical activity, or even a recent digital rectal exam. Age also naturally affects baseline levels. Your provider will consider your complete picture (age, risk factors, symptoms, and prior PSA levels) before recommending any next step.