PSA Free/Total Ratio
The PSA free/total ratio shows what share of the PSA in the blood circulates freely rather than bound to other proteins.
The PSA free/total ratio shows what share of the PSA in the blood circulates freely rather than bound to other proteins. PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland; part of it travels on its own in the blood and part is bound to carrier proteins. The ratio is calculated from free PSA and total PSA, and it is always read together with total PSA, age and earlier results.
Recent ejaculation, cycling, a recent infection and a larger prostate can release more free PSA and raise the ratio for a while. The ratio also drifts with age as the prostate changes. Medicines such as finasteride and dutasteride lower both free and total PSA.
Foods that help
No single food is known to change the ratio much. A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains and fish is a good base.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of red and processed meat and alcohol are worth keeping moderate as part of a balanced diet. Cycling and ejaculation shortly before the test can affect PSA briefly.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →