What is a Safe PSA Count?

By Lorra Garrick | Last updated 08/24

The PSA count is a widely accepted screening tool for the presence of prostate cancer.

As for what is truly a safe PSA count, here is what Michael D. Lutz, MD, explains:

“If your PSA is less than 1ng/mL, you are in great shape.

Prostate cancer is exceptionally unlikely with a PSA this low, and many organizations believe that if your PSA <1ng/mL, you can likely skip the digital rectal examination and have the blood test repeated in five years for adequate screening.”

Dr. Lutz is a board certified urologist; urologist with Corewell Health/Beaumont Hospital; President, MIU Men’s Health Foundation.

Traditionally, what’s perhaps been considered a so-called safe PSA count is 4.0 ng/mL and lower.

Levels above this amount would prompt doctors to recommend a prostate biopsy.

However, men with a PSA below 4.0 ng/mL are not immune to prostate cancer and have actually developed this disease.

Therefore, to say that a “safe” PSA level is anything below 4.0 is no longer accepted as accurate.

Of course, men with higher PSA levels may never develop prostate cancer.

The general consensus, however, is that the higher the PSA level, the more likely that prostate cancer is present.

Causes of an Elevated PSA

PSA (prostate specific antigen) level can become elevated in response to an inflamed prostate, urinary tract infection or surgery on the prostate. Some drugs can also deflate the PSA count.

Men need to be vigilant about having their PSA count taken on a regular basis.

Regular testing is especially important for men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate frequency of PSA testing based on your individual risk factors and health history.