Related Calculators

Incidence Rate Calculator
QTc Fridericia Calculator
QT Interval Calculator
Dextrose Calculator
Semaglutide Dilution Calculator
Vaccine Efficacy Calculator

Incidence Rate Calculator, QTc Fridericia Calculator, QT Interval Calculator, Dextrose Calculator, Semaglutide Dilution Calculator, Vaccine Efficacy Calculator

PSA Velocity Calculator

Calculate the rate of change in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels over time to help assess prostate cancer risk. PSA velocity is an important marker that measures how quickly PSA levels are rising.

Enter the first PSA test result in ng/mL
Date of the first PSA test
Enter the second PSA test result in ng/mL
Date of the second PSA test
Enter the third PSA test result in ng/mL for more accurate calculation
Date of the third PSA test

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your first PSA value and the date of the test
  2. Enter your second PSA value and the date of the test
  3. Optionally, enter a third PSA value and date for more accurate calculation
  4. Click Calculate to see your PSA velocity and interpretation

Formula Used

PSA Velocity = (PSA2 - PSA1) / (Time in years between tests)

Where:

  • PSA1 = First PSA value (ng/mL)
  • PSA2 = Second PSA value (ng/mL)
  • Time in years = Difference between test dates in years

With three values:

PSA Velocity = Sum of individual slopes / Number of slopes

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A 65-year-old man has his PSA levels monitored over time to assess prostate cancer risk.

Given:

  • First PSA = 2.5 ng/mL (January 1, 2022)
  • Second PSA = 3.0 ng/mL (January 1, 2023)
  • Third PSA = 4.0 ng/mL (January 1, 2024)

Calculation:

First slope: (3.0 - 2.5) / 1 year = 0.5 ng/mL/year

Second slope: (4.0 - 3.0) / 1 year = 1.0 ng/mL/year

Average PSA Velocity: (0.5 + 1.0) / 2 = 0.75 ng/mL/year

Result: PSA Velocity of 0.75 ng/mL/year, which is above the normal threshold and may warrant further medical evaluation.

Why This Calculation Matters

Clinical Significance

  • PSA velocity helps distinguish between benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer
  • A PSA velocity > 0.35 ng/mL/year may indicate increased cancer risk
  • PSA velocity can help determine the need for biopsy

Key Benefits

  • Provides more context than a single PSA value
  • Helps track prostate health over time
  • Can improve early detection of aggressive prostate cancer

Common Mistakes & Tips

PSA tests should be spaced at least 6-12 months apart to accurately calculate PSA velocity. Tests taken too close together may not provide meaningful velocity data due to normal PSA fluctuations.

Recent prostate procedures, infections, medications, or even ejaculation can temporarily elevate PSA levels. These factors should be considered when interpreting PSA velocity results.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PSA velocity of 0.35 ng/mL/year or less is generally considered normal. Higher values may indicate increased risk for prostate cancer and may warrant further evaluation.

For men over 50 (or over 45 for high-risk groups), PSA testing is typically recommended annually. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have elevated PSA levels or other risk factors.

No, PSA velocity is just one tool in prostate cancer screening and risk assessment. A high PSA velocity may indicate increased risk, but a definitive diagnosis requires further testing such as a prostate biopsy.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

References

Accuracy Notice

This calculator provides an estimate of PSA velocity based on the values you input. PSA levels can fluctuate for various reasons, and this calculator does not account for all factors that may affect PSA levels. Discuss your results with a healthcare professional for proper interpretation and medical advice.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

Connect with LinkedIn

Tags:

health medical-clinical-calculators psa velocity medical body