General
PSA, Free & Total
Lab test

PSA, Free & Total

Recommended for men discussing prostate cancer screening with their clinician, those with a prior elevated PSA who need a more refined risk assessment, and men with known prostate conditions requiring ongoing monitoring. Avoid ejaculation and vigorous cycling for 48 hours before testing. Results reviewed by a General Medicine clinician.

Receive actionable insights and deep analysis—not just lab values– in as little as 48 hours

Clear guidance, and follow-up care available

Simple, online scheduling for labs and everything else

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is a PSA, Free & Total Test?

The PSA Free & Total test measures both the total amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood and the portion circulating freely — unbound to proteins. Evaluating both values together significantly improves the ability to distinguish between prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions, reducing unnecessary biopsies while improving the detection of clinically significant cancer.

Total PSA for prostate health screening

Measures the overall level of PSA produced by the prostate gland. Elevated total PSA can indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis — it's the primary screening marker but needs context to interpret accurately.

Free PSA for cancer risk refinement

Men with cancer tend to have a lower percentage of free PSA relative to total PSA. A low free-to-total ratio increases the likelihood of cancer; a higher ratio is more consistent with benign enlargement — adding critical specificity that total PSA alone cannot provide.

Age-appropriate monitoring

PSA levels naturally increase with age and prostate size. By measuring both fractions, clinicians can apply age-specific thresholds and trending over time to distinguish true risk signals from expected age-related PSA changes.

Complete insights in as little as 48 hours

1

Book your test

Instantly schedule at 2,000+ labs nationwide, at a time that works for you. Most visits take 15 minutes or less, with both walk-ins and appointments available.

2

Get results in 48 hours

Your results are delivered quickly—and reviewed by medical professionals. You’ll get clear explanations, robust health insights, and recommended next steps tailored to your health needs.

3

Take action with physician guidance

Choose to review your results and manage your plan with a General Medicine physician—or simply use the insights on your own.

4

Track progress over time

Repeat annually to see trends, improvements, and new emerging risks or book individual tests that focus on your set goals

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

Your care plan
Clinician

What's included

Test type

Blood sample

Collection method

Venipuncture

Fasting

Not required

Results processing time

1 to 2 days

Total PSA

Measures the overall amount of Prostate-Specific Antigen your prostate is producing. Elevated levels may be linked to benign conditions or cancer.

Free PSA

Checks the portion of PSA circulating freely in your blood. Evaluating this with the total PSA helps refine the risk of prostate issues.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

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Frequently asked questions

What is PSA and why is both free and total PSA measured?

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Total PSA is elevated in prostate cancer, BPH, and prostatitis. The free-to-total PSA ratio helps distinguish cancer from benign causes — lower ratios are associated with higher cancer risk, improving specificity over total PSA alone.

What PSA level should I be concerned about?

There's no single threshold — interpretation depends on age, prior PSA trend, prostate volume, and free PSA ratio. Generally, PSA above 4.0 ng/mL warrants further evaluation, but rising PSA over time or a low free PSA ratio can be concerning even within the normal range.

Should I avoid anything before getting a PSA test?

Yes — ejaculation within 48 hours, vigorous bike riding, and prostate examination or procedures can transiently elevate PSA. Abstain from ejaculation and avoid intense cycling for at least 48 hours before testing. A UTI or prostatitis also elevates PSA — testing should be delayed until infection resolves.

Can a normal PSA mean I don't have prostate cancer?

Not with certainty. Some prostate cancers — including aggressive ones — occur with PSA in the normal range. PSA is a screening tool, not a definitive test. Elevated PSA, low free PSA ratio, or a rising trend are what guide biopsy decisions, along with clinical examination.

At what age should men start PSA screening?

Current guidelines vary. Average-risk men should discuss PSA screening starting at age 50. Black men and those with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer before age 65 should consider discussing screening starting at 40–45.