The effect of prostatitis, urinary retention, ejaculation, and ambulation on the serum prostate-specific antigen concentration.

PSA remains an immensely valuable tool in the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. Factors such as prostatitis, urinary retention, ejaculation, and inpatient versus outpatient measurement, however, may have a profound effect on the serum PSA concentration. Furthermore, prostate biopsy and TURP result in an increase in the serum PSA value that resolves in 4 to 6 weeks. It is imperative that these factors be taken into account to interpret serum PSA values, to optimize the diagnostic utility of the PSA test.