Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free AOCNP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is a test that measures the amount of PSA in the blood, which is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, as well as other prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. The PSA test is widely used as a screening tool for prostate cancer, making it a key component in the diagnostic process. Its specificity and sensitivity for prostate cancer have made it an essential test in oncology, helping clinicians decide on further diagnostic imaging or biopsy procedures if PSA levels are elevated.

While other tests, such as a complete blood count or liver function tests, could provide useful information about a patient's overall health or the presence of other conditions, they do not have a direct correlation with the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Thyroid function tests similarly do not pertain to prostate health. Therefore, the PSA test remains the most relevant and directly associated laboratory test for diagnosing prostate cancer.