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Ultra sensitive vs regular

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Posted 8/28/2017 11:45 PM (GMT -8)
What is the difference between ultra sensitive and regular test besides the decimal? Two different docs two different tests, same lab. The ultra sensitive test over past two years is always .05 lower. Both mostly stable, but never 0.
Posted 8/29/2017 5:44 AM (GMT -8)
The regular test only goes down to 0.1, while Ultra-Test goes down a few decimals more. The main difference are the machines for each. In addition, each machine has it's own set of variables and degree of error. For these reasons it is recommended to stick with the same test and testing lab. Good luck. -Ken
Posted 8/29/2017 5:45 AM (GMT -8)
Regardless of the test used, the PSA will never truly be 0. There are other minute sources of PSA in the body that were not affected by your treatments.

What we are after is undetectable PSA. In other words, there is so little PSA that it can not be detected by the test. You are looking for the < sign before the number. Generally on the regular test (which I have) undetectable is <0.10. So, if I lose my < sign it will mean the test detected some PSA and it will show the amount that was detected. Since you are using the more sensitive test you have a greater sensitivity than my test and you may see some change earlier than me.
Posted 8/29/2017 3:12 PM (GMT -8)
I was hoping to find out about the different type equipment used and if the ultra sensitive tended to give lower results than the regular. I hope to convince both doctors to request the ultra sensitive. Thanks for the response.
Posted 8/29/2017 3:36 PM (GMT -8)
google.

/prostatecancerinfolink.net/diagnosis/psa-testing/different-psa-tests/
/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8973696

the technical term you're looking for is assay, or the method used for testing. Sometimes implemented with automatic machinery, or by skilled lab techs using test kits. There are three, as noted in the above links.

There are also studies debating the clinical valve of the different test assays.

Andrew
Posted 8/29/2017 7:33 PM (GMT -8)

JNF said...
Regardless of the test used, the PSA will never truly be 0. There are other minute sources of PSA in the body that were not affected by your treatments.

Got me thinking, so I looked it up -- found this

- Seminal plasma contains about 1 million micrograms/L of PSA and is the richest source of PSA reported.

- The biologic fluid with the second highest PSA concentration, however, is nipple aspirate fluid from the female breast (up to about 5000 micrograms/L), and the third is milk from lactating women (up to 300 micrograms/L).

Hmm... im not lactating... could I be creating Seminal plasma after a RP?

I wonder where / what else could be creating it besides Mr. Prostate
Posted 8/29/2017 7:36 PM (GMT -8)
🙄🔫
Posted 8/29/2017 8:31 PM (GMT -8)
we have nsfw (not safe for work) web content.

I am thinking we need to start a nsfp (not safe for Pratoman) category...

just sayn'
Posted 8/29/2017 9:30 PM (GMT -8)
"I wonder where / what else could be creating it besides Mr. Prostate"

Minute amounts of PSA have reportedly been found in similar epithelial tissues in places like the tissues of the urethra, some of which remains after prostate surgery.
Posted 8/29/2017 9:42 PM (GMT -8)
That's probably why they always say hold off semen discharge a couple of days before psa test. In the shop, just keep Prato away from the prostate your building!

Larry
Posted 8/29/2017 11:23 PM (GMT -8)
Master bating (really thats a bad word?) after prostate surgery can't raise PSA levels right?

I mean there is no ejaculate ... but there is still a orgasm ... so something is a mys down yonder.
Posted 8/30/2017 5:57 AM (GMT -8)
There is no prostate after surgery. That's why the PSA drops. Has nothing to do with sexual activity.

Before surgery is a different matter. Sexual activity involving the prostate generally causes more PSA (about 10%) to be expressed. The same for any other physical pressure on the prostate like bike riding, etc.
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