Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Massachusetts
Below is a plain-language overview of the prostate-specific antigen (psa), free-to-total ratio. The free-to-total PSA ratio is a follow-up blood test that compares two forms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate gland. It is usually ordered when a total PSA result is mildly elevated, to help a clinician decide whether further prostate evaluation is needed. It is not a cancer diagnosis test by itself. This page covers the prostate-specific antigen (psa), free-to-total ratio for people in Massachusetts, in New England, from what it measures to how to arrange a draw.
- Sample type
- blood
- Category
- Cancer Screening
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Price
- $178
- Referral
- Not required
The free-to-total PSA ratio is a follow-up blood test that compares two forms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate gland. It is usually ordered when a total PSA result is mildly elevated, to help a clinician decide whether further prostate evaluation is needed. It is not a cancer diagnosis test by itself.
What it measures
- Total PSA — The overall amount of PSA in the blood, both bound and unbound.
- Free PSA — The portion of PSA that is not attached to other proteins.
- Free-to-total PSA ratio — Free PSA divided by total PSA, often expressed as a percentage. A lower percentage can sometimes point toward a higher chance of prostate cancer, but it is only one piece of information.
Who it is for
This test is typically ordered by a primary care clinician or urologist for men who have a mildly elevated total PSA and no clear explanation, such as a recent prostate infection or procedure.
Preparation
No fasting is required. Tell your clinician about any recent prostate exam, biopsy, urinary infection, or ejaculation, because these can temporarily raise PSA levels.
Results and what they mean
Results are reported as a percentage along with the total and free PSA values. Your clinician interprets the ratio together with your age, prostate exam findings, and health history. This information is general and not medical advice; only your clinician can explain what your results mean for you.
Requesting the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Massachusetts
Order online, choose a certified collection site in Massachusetts, and review results through a secure portal. No referral is required, and orders are processed confidentially. With short distances between towns that keep most people within an easy drive of a draw site, it pays to schedule your collection in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Does a low free-to-total PSA ratio mean I have cancer?
No. A low ratio may raise concern, but it does not diagnose cancer. Many benign prostate conditions can also affect the ratio.
Do I need to fast for this test?
No. Fasting is not required for PSA testing.
Can I have sex before the test?
Ejaculation can briefly raise PSA. Ask your clinician how long to avoid it before your blood draw.
How long do results take?
Most results are available within 1 to 3 business days.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio by city in Massachusetts
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Boston
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Springfield
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Worcester
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in New Bedford
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Leominster
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Cambridge
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Lowell
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Brockton
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Quincy
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Lynn
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Fall River
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Newton
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Lawrence
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Somerville
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Framingham
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Haverhill
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Malden
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Waltham
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Revere
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Medford
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Taunton
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Chicopee
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Peabody
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Methuen Town
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Everett
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Attleboro
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Salem
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Pittsfield
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Beverly
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Fitchburg
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Marlborough
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Woburn
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Westfield
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Chelsea
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Holyoke
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Watertown Town
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Gloucester
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Melrose
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Northampton
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio in Gardner
All testing in Massachusetts → Full Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio guide →