Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
FPSA
Test Code (Numeric Code)
3110
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Sample to be centrifuged, separated and frozen within 3 hours of collection.
Registration
If samples arrive frozen please place straight into freezer 37. Samples need to remain frozen.
Separating
Serum should be separated and Frozen within 3 hours of collection.
Laboratory
Automation staff: Samples that arrive frozen will get the Total PSA when the Free PSA is processed.
Sample Stability
8 hours at 20-25°C, 5 days at 2-8 °C, 12 weeks at -20 °C
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Prostate Specific Antigen (Free and Total), Free Prostate Specific Antigen, PSA (Free and Total), fPSA, % Free PSA
Turnaround Time
24 hours
This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section below for more information on the indications for testing.
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
3.5
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Pre-testing Requirements
Declined tests :
If a test is declined, the specimen will be held for a reasonable period (usually 3 weeks but dependant on the stability of the sample). Medical practitioners seeking approval for a declined test should email the on-call Chemical Pathologist ( chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz ) , giving the patient's name and NHI number and the clinical justification for the test. If unable to email, call the on-call Chemical Pathologist via Lablink (09-3078995) and identify yourself as a doctor.
Additional Specimen Information
Free PSA test not offered for paediatrics.
Last updated: 27/07/2026