“PSA free” in a male refers to the portion of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein in the blood that is not attached to other proteins, meaning it circulates freely in the bloodstream; a higher percentage of “free PSA” compared to total PSA is typically associated with benign prostate conditions, while a lower percentage might indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer.
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What it means:
When a PSA test is done, the result includes both the total PSA level and the “free PSA” level, which is calculated as a percentage of the total PSA.
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Interpretation:
A higher percentage of free PSA compared to total PSA is generally considered a good sign, as it suggests a lower likelihood of prostate cancer.
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Clinical use:
Doctors may use the “free PSA to total PSA ratio” to help interpret PSA results, especially when the total PSA level is borderline.
