Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:21
Serum and Plasma Copy Number Detection Using Real-time PCR
Published on: December 15, 2017
Is serum prostate-specific antigen level affected by fasting and nonfasting?
Altug Tuncel1, Hakan Aksut, Koray Agras
1Department of Third Urology, Ministry of Health, Ankara Numune Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Urology
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels do not significantly change based on fasting status. This finding indicates that blood collection for PSA testing can occur at any time, simplifying the diagnostic process for patients.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker in prostate cancer screening and management.
- Fasting status is a common pre-analytical variable that can affect various blood test results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fasting and non-fasting conditions on serum PSA levels.
- To determine if serum PSA measurements require specific timing relative to meals.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 80 male patients with benign urologic conditions was studied.
- Serum PSA levels were measured at fasting, and at 1, 2, and 6 hours post-breakfast and post-lunch.
- Exclusion criteria included active infections, cancer, recent urologic procedures, and renal failure.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in serum PSA levels between fasting and non-fasting states.
- Mean serum PSA values remained consistent throughout the sampling period (fasting, 1st, 2nd, and 6th hour).
- P-values for all comparisons were greater than 0.05, indicating no significant variation.
Conclusions:
- Serum PSA levels are not significantly affected by a patient's fasting status.
- Blood samples for PSA measurement can be collected at any time of day, irrespective of food intake.
- This simplifies pre-analytical requirements for PSA testing, enhancing clinical workflow.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.