What are false-positive elevations in the PSA test?
False-positive elevations in the PSA are increases in the PSA that are caused by conditions other than prostate cancer. For example, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and infection or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) from whatever cause can elevate the PSA. Note also that even a rectal examination or an ejaculation within the prior 48 hours can sometimes elevate the PSA. False-positive elevations are usually in the 4 to10 range, but they can go as high as 25 or 30. At these higher levels, however, caution in the interpretation of the test is warranted because a prostate cancer may well be present. Non-prostatic diseases or infections, medications, foods, smoking, and alcohol do not cause false-positive elevations of the PSA. The ability of the PSA test to detect prostate cancer (called the sensitivity of the test) is high. The reason for this is that most patients, although not all, with prostate cancer have a borderline or an abnormally elevated PSA. The ability of the test
