Treatment Overview
Free PSA monitoring is an advanced diagnostic tool used to differentiate between benign prostatic conditions and prostate cancer. Free PSA measures the unbound fraction of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, providing more precise information when total PSA levels are borderline.
In Korea, Free PSA monitoring is performed in modern laboratories with high-precision immunoassays and interpreted by experienced urologists to guide further testing or intervention for both domestic and international patients.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of Free PSA monitoring is to:
- Improve prostate cancer detection accuracy when total PSA is slightly elevated
- Reduce unnecessary biopsies in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Support risk stratification in combination with PSA, PHI, and 4Kscore
Benefits include:
- Minimally invasive with a simple blood test
- Enhances diagnostic precision for borderline PSA cases
- Reduces unnecessary procedures such as biopsies
- Supports personalized monitoring and early detection
- Can be integrated with other prostate health tests for comprehensive evaluation
Ideal Candidates
Free PSA monitoring is recommended for men who:
- Have borderline elevated total PSA levels (4–10 ng/mL)
- Are at increased risk for prostate cancer due to age, genetics, or family history
- Have previous abnormal PSA results requiring clarification
- Are undergoing active surveillance or follow-up after treatment
- Want international-standard prostate diagnostics
Korean urologists design a personalized monitoring plan based on PSA trends, risk factors, and prior test results.
Possible Risks & Complications
Free PSA monitoring is very safe. Potential considerations include:
- Mild discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site
- Rare anxiety while awaiting results
- Minimal variability due to recent infection, ejaculation, or prostate manipulation
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean hospitals use advanced laboratory methods for Free PSA monitoring:
- High-precision immunoassays for unbound PSA measurement
- Integration with total PSA, PHI, and 4Kscore for enhanced risk assessment
- Certified laboratories with international standards
- Electronic reporting for international patients
- Combination with imaging or targeted biopsy if needed
This technology ensures precise results to guide clinical decision-making.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Consultation & Assessment – Review PSA levels, history, and risk factors
- Blood Sample Collection – Simple venipuncture performed under sterile conditions
- Laboratory Analysis – Free PSA and total PSA measured
- Result Interpretation – Urologist evaluates the ratio of free to total PSA for risk stratification
- Follow-Up Recommendations – Guidance on further testing, biopsy, or monitoring
Medical tourism coordinators help international patients with scheduling, translation, and follow-up services.
Recovery & After-Care
- No recovery required
- Resume normal activities immediately
- Minor soreness or bruising at the blood draw site may occur
- Maintain a record of results for ongoing monitoring
Results & Interpretation
Free PSA monitoring provides:
- Ratio of free to total PSA, improving risk stratification
- Identification of patients who may need further diagnostic evaluation
- Support for decisions on biopsy, active surveillance, or treatment
- Integration with other tests for comprehensive prostate assessment
Accurate monitoring helps prevent unnecessary procedures and optimizes patient outcomes.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- High-precision laboratories performing Free PSA testing
- Experienced urologists interpreting results in context of total PSA and risk factors
- Quick and accurate testing for international patients
- Integration with PHI, 4Kscore, mpMRI, and targeted biopsy for enhanced diagnostics
- English-language support and medical tourism coordination
- Affordable and high-quality care compared to Western countries
Cost Range
Typical costs for Free PSA monitoring in Korea:
₩80,000 – ₩250,000 KRW (~$60–$200 USD)
Costs vary depending on:
- Integration with total PSA, PHI, or 4Kscore tests
- Hospital or clinic grade
- Consultation and follow-up services
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital – Free PSA & Prostate Risk Assessment
- Samsung Medical Center – Advanced Urology Diagnostics
- Asan Medical Center – PSA & Free PSA Monitoring
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – International Patient Prostate Testing
- Korea University Anam Hospital – Free PSA & PHI Evaluation
- JK Urology & Men’s Health Clinics – Personalized Prostate Monitoring
