I have been to three urologists. Now of which have mentioned this test, despite my PSA being slightly elevated. (between 4 and 5) Is this a more accurate test than a biopsy? If so why aren't doctors doing this test prior to a biopsy? What concerns me is all these posts on how many times a biopsy has missed cancer. If anyone has had a PCA3 test lately, please let me know. Are doctors reluctant to doing this test?

A urine PCA3 test is available in Europe (distributed by a company called Gen-Probe), but I am not personally aware of its use in the USA other than in studies. You might try calling Gen-Probe or contacing Dr. Nakanishi at MD Andersen in Houston, who has done research on this. You might also be interested in a May 2008 article on this subject in the Journal of Urology.

I just had the pca3 test and my doctor said I was the first to ever ask for it and because I was willing to seek out other doctors in my state who were up and running with test he decided to get up and running him self, bostwich lab in VA is who I contacted and they are the lab that does the analysis, mine came back negative 8.8 the cut off is 35, its ironic although its negative I'm scheduled for my 4th biopsy tomorrow because of the last three uro didn't take cores from the transition zone with my numbers both free and total not good he has to cover himself so at any rate I'm hoping for the best, good luck with your situation.

I just had the pca3 test and my doctor said I was the first to ever ask for it and because I was willing to seek out other doctors in my state who were up and running with test he decided to get up and running him self, bostwich lab in VA is who I contacted and they are the lab that does the analysis, mine came back negative 8.8 the cut off is 35, its ironic although its negative I'm scheduled for my 4th biopsy tomorrow because of the last three uro didn't take cores from the transition zone with my numbers both free and total not good he has to cover himself so at any rate I'm hoping for the best, good luck with your situation.

Is the 8.8 a good or bad reading? Can you tell me what you mean by transition zone? What period of time have you had these biopsies? How bad are they? Thanks

the 8.8 is a low reading anything below the cut off of 35 if low risk and anything above is high risk as for the time frame of my three biopsies is 18 months 20 months if you count today's biopsy there is very little pain its not knowing what to expect the first time that caries all the anxiety once you go through one its not that bad.


Bob C

I forgot to answer you on the transition zone, I'm not an expert but it is essentially where 25% of all prostate cancers are found its the area of the prostate where BPH originates and is closest to the urethra, usually after a first negative biopsy the will take core's from the transition zone on the second biopsy

How much did the PCA3 test (and related labwork) cost? Was it covered by insurance?

I don't know yet if I'm going to pay out of pocket or if my insurance will cover it either way is not a Big deal I think I saw something on the cost being in the $350 range which is affordable, my doctor was concerned originally that it would be a problem if the insurance didn't pick it up.
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Bob C

I don't know yet if I'm going to pay out of pocket or if my insurance will cover it either way is not a Big deal I think I saw something on the cost being in the $350 range which is affordable, my doctor was concerned originally that it would be a problem if the insurance didn't pick it up.
'Bob C

As has been mentioned, the test is certainly available in the US, in fact I think we may be the leading country where it is used. However, it is not surprising that many doctors are just now learning about it or still have not learned about it. It was a surprise to me when I started really learning about prostate cancer how long it takes for new developments to percolate their way into widespread medical practice. :( I can give you a number of examples of that if you want them.

Dr. David Bostwick, one of the world's leading prostate cancer pathologists, has also been one of the leading researcher/physicians regarding PSA. In early days when he was at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, he worked closely with Dr. William Catalona on PSA. He and his lab have been in the forefront of use of the PCA3Plus test, and before that early versions like the uPm3.

In a talk he said that insurance coverage for the uPm3 had been excellent, and that probably is true for the PCA3Plus as well.

Dr. Bostwick now practices in Richmond, Virginia, and that's where his lab is headquartered.

Thanks for sharing your experience with this test, especially the importance of the threshold score of 35. :) I know the general concept, but I still have a lot to learn about the details.

Jim