Finding a reliable lab for PSA testing in St. Petersburg doesn’t require weeks of waiting or navigating a maze of insurance approvals. Men over 50—and younger men with risk factors—can walk into multiple certified labs across the Tampa Bay area today and get screened for prostate cancer within hours. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated levels may signal prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis. This guide maps out exactly where to go, what to expect, and how to interpret your results with the help of board-certified urologists at St. Pete Urology.
Understanding the PSA Test: What It Measures and Why It Matters
PSA is a protein found exclusively in prostate tissue. When cells in the prostate become cancerous or when the gland enlarges, PSA levels in the bloodstream increase. A standard PSA test requires a simple blood draw and typically returns results within 24-48 hours. According to the American Cancer Society, men at average risk should begin discussing PSA screening at age 50, while those with a family history of prostate cancer or African American men should start these conversations at age 40-45.
Studies show that PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality by 21% when combined with digital rectal exams and regular follow-ups. However, PSA levels alone don’t diagnose cancer—they indicate whether further evaluation is needed. Factors like age, prostate size, medications, and recent physical activity can all influence PSA readings. For men concerned about prostate health, understanding these nuances makes the difference between unnecessary anxiety and proactive care.
Major Lab Networks in St. Petersburg: Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp
St. Petersburg residents have convenient access to both Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp, the two largest clinical laboratory networks in the United States. These CLIA-certified facilities process millions of tests annually and maintain rigorous quality standards.
Quest Diagnostics Locations:
- 1101 34th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 (Monday-Friday 6:30 AM-3:30 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM-11:00 AM)
- 1173 62nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 (Monday-Friday 6:00 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM-11:00 AM)
- 6006 49th St N, St. Petersburg, FL (Hours vary by location)
Labcorp Locations:
- 3901 66th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33709 (Monday-Friday 6:00 AM-2:30 PM)
- 3851 4th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33703 (Located inside Walgreens)
- 3077 54th Ave S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33712 (Located inside Walgreens)
- 900 49th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710 (Located inside Walgreens)
Both networks accept most insurance plans and offer online appointment scheduling through their websites at Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments receive priority and reduce wait times.
Direct-to-Consumer Testing Options: No Doctor’s Order Required
Men who prefer to bypass traditional healthcare channels can purchase PSA tests directly through services like Request A Test, Any Lab Test Now, and LabFinder. These platforms partner with Quest and Labcorp facilities, allowing you to order tests online, visit a nearby lab, and receive results within 1-3 business days—all without a physician’s order.
Typical costs range from $29 to $79 for a basic PSA test, with free PSA (a more detailed analysis) available for an additional fee. This approach works well for men who want baseline screening, are monitoring known conditions, or lack immediate access to a primary care physician. However, interpreting abnormal results still requires medical expertise, which is where the urologists at St. Pete Urology provide critical guidance.
For men seeking comprehensive care beyond just testing, St. Pete Urology offers specialized PSA testing as part of a broader prostate health evaluation. The clinic’s board-certified urologists—Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis, Dr. Reid Graves, Dr. Adam Oppenheim, and Dr. Ankur Shah—interpret results in the context of your medical history, perform digital rectal exams when indicated, and coordinate follow-up biopsies if needed.
When to Get Tested: Age and Risk Factor Guidelines
The timing of your first PSA test depends on your personal risk profile. The American Urological Association recommends:
- Ages 40-45: Men with a family history of prostate cancer or African American men should begin baseline screening.
- Ages 50-69: Average-risk men should discuss PSA testing annually with their doctor.
- Ages 70+: Testing may not be necessary unless you have a life expectancy exceeding 10-15 years or specific symptoms.
Warning signs that warrant immediate PSA testing include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, persistent pelvic pain, or unexplained weight loss. Men experiencing these warning signs of prostate problems should schedule an appointment with a urologist rather than relying solely on lab-only screening.
What to Expect During Your PSA Test
The PSA test procedure takes less than 5 minutes. A phlebotomist draws blood from a vein in your arm, similar to any routine blood test. No fasting is required, but men should avoid ejaculation for 24-48 hours before the test, as this can temporarily elevate PSA levels. Vigorous exercise, prostate massage, or recent cystoscopy procedures can also affect results.
Labs measure PSA in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Historically, levels below 4.0 ng/mL were considered normal, but current guidelines recognize that “normal” varies by age:
- Ages 40-49: 0-2.5 ng/mL
- Ages 50-59: 0-3.5 ng/mL
- Ages 60-69: 0-4.5 ng/mL
- Ages 70+: 0-6.5 ng/mL
A PSA level between 4-10 ng/mL carries a 25% chance of prostate cancer on biopsy, while levels above 10 ng/mL increase the probability significantly. However, non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis also cause elevated PSA, which is why interpretation requires clinical judgment.
Interpreting Your Results: When to See a Urologist
PSA velocity—the rate of PSA increase over time—often provides more insight than a single reading. A rapid rise of more than 0.75 ng/mL per year suggests a higher cancer risk. Free PSA, which measures the percentage of PSA not bound to proteins, adds another layer of precision: a free PSA below 10% raises concern, while levels above 25% reduce the likelihood of cancer.
If your PSA is elevated, the next step typically involves:
- Repeat testing in 4-6 weeks to rule out temporary spikes
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for abnormal prostate texture
- Multiparametric MRI to visualize suspicious areas
- Prostate biopsy if imaging or clinical findings warrant further investigation
At St. Pete Urology, located at 830 Central Ave, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, the team coordinates all aspects of prostate cancer screening and diagnosis. Their expertise in minimally invasive urologic procedures and da Vinci robotic surgery ensures you receive advanced care when needed. Call (727) 478-1172 to schedule a consultation.
Take Control of Your Prostate Health Today
Getting a PSA test in St. Petersburg is straightforward—multiple labs across the city offer same-day walk-ins, and direct-to-consumer options eliminate the need for a doctor’s visit. Yet the real value lies not in the test itself, but in how you act on the results. Early detection remains the most powerful tool against prostate cancer, and partnering with experienced urologists ensures you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Whether you choose Quest, Labcorp, or a specialized urology clinic, the most important decision is simply getting tested. Schedule your PSA test today and take the first step toward proactive prostate health management.
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