Post RALP tests <0.01 and now <0.03 - anything to worry about - Localised cancer

User

Posted 11 Jan 2024 at 11:41

My first post so be kind :)

RALP with full nerve spare in June 2023. Good recovery from op and now managing the side effects of incontinence and ED. Probably @ 80% for continence so will perservere with pelvic floor and have found a private physio to support me who specialises in this field

Had 2 PSA tests since op. September under the care of the consultant and test taken in hospital = <0.01

Second test taken December 2023 through GP and so at a different laboratory = <0.03

Initial reaction was very negative but the more I read it tells me that this is not necessarily an increase, just the results of 2 different laboratories testing with 2 different sets of equipment with 2 different levels of sensitivity.

My 3rd test will be through GP so will be able to judge the baseline versus <0.03

Am I right in my interpretation ?

thanks .......

Martin

User

Posted 11 Jan 2024 at 19:52

Yes you are right in your interpretation the < symbol means it is less than what ever number is after it. It could be zero for both your results for all we know.

Dave

User

Posted 11 Jan 2024 at 20:15

Hi Martin, nice to meet you.

I'm almost 11 months post RARP and had 3 x 3 monthly PSA tests <.02, <.05, <.02.

The two low readings were done at one hospital, the higher was done at another. All figures were as low as they tested to.

User

Posted 12 Jan 2024 at 11:26

Yes, it's when the 'less than' symbol is dropped by trhe lab (rather than ignored by whoever is informing you) and the numbers show a rising trend that you may start to be concerned.

Peter

User

Posted 14 Jan 2024 at 09:05

All good. Just means it’s undetectable using the reporting method for the test. Could be maximum sensitivity of the test or how they clinical staff report it. If you have a copy of the blood report that can be more definitive.

to add context. When I started with post RARP PSA bloods my GP always reported <0.01 whereas the actual value on the blood report was <0.006. My view is this is done to eliminate patient stress due the test errors etc which I think I saw when the readings fluctuated a little (0.007,0.008) then settled back to <0.006.

interestingly the local lab changed their PSA test method (maybe the assay) to Abbott mid summer and now appear to have a maximum sensitivity of <0.025. This is fine for me as in reality, should there ever be an increase, nothing is done until >0.1.

User

Posted 19 Sep 2024 at 15:01

Probably a bit late for this thread but had a similar experience.

RadProst. in March 2022. Always had a reading of < 0.01 on a 3 monthly basis.

Last 0.01 reading was in March this year. Then the Russians hacked into the South London system and had to pay private in June. That said < 0.03.

Just been tested back on the NHS and it came back < 0.03 no action required.

I asked the surgery if that means my PSA has increased or a different lab and/or calibration method.

Been having a mini meltdown today and have to wait till 4/10 for a conversation with a Doctor.

Looks like a few other people have had a similar situation.

Any comments whilst I wait for the Doc?

Take care everyone.

User

Posted 19 Sep 2024 at 16:14

As long as you have the 'less than' symbol there is no need to be concerned. It's undetectable.

User

Posted 19 Sep 2024 at 16:21

It does, thank you so much. Haven't looked at these message boards for 2 years but it is such a great community.

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Post RALP tests <0.01 and now <0.03 - anything to worry about

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