PSA test results report the level of PSA detected in the blood. The test results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood. In the past, most doctors considered PSA values below 4.0 ng/ml as normal. However, recent research found prostate cancer in men with PSA levels below 4.0 ng/ml (2). Many doctors are now using the following ranges, with some variation:

• 0 to 2.5 ng/ml is low.
• 2.6 to 10 ng/ml is slightly to moderately elevated.
• 10 to 19.9 ng/ml is moderately elevated.
• 20 ng/ml or more is significantly elevated.

 There is no specific normal or abnormal PSA level. However, the higher a man?s PSA level, the more likely it is that cancer is present. But because various factors can cause PSA levels to fluctuate, one abnormal PSA test does not necessarily indicate a need for other diagnostic tests. When PSA levels continue to rise over time, other tests may be needed.

The presence of a single type of bacteria growing at high colony counts (greater than 10,000 colony forming units (CFU)/ml) is considered a positive urine culture. A culture that is reported as no growth in 24 or 48 hours or less than 10,000 CFU/ml usually indicates that there is no infection. If the symptoms persist, however, the culture may be repeated to look for the presence of bacteria at lower colony counts (less than 10,000 CFU/ml) or other microorganisms that may cause these symptoms. The presence of white blood cells and low numbers of microorganisms in a symptomatic patient is a condition known as acute urethral syndrome.