Which patient reached a PSA value above 100 ng/mL at any time?

Which patient reached a PSA value above 100 ng/mL at any time?

• A. Patient A
• B. Patient B
• C. Both patients
• D. Neither patient

Answer: (B)

PSA values are measured in ng/mL, and normal levels are much lower than 100. A value above 100 ng/mL is extremely high and typically points to a substantial disease burden or, rarely, a lab error. When examining the time course, only the patient labeled as Patient B has a data point that crosses the 100 ng/mL threshold at any time; the other patient’s values never reach that level. In clinical practice, a PSA this high would prompt repeat testing to confirm and imaging to assess disease extent, since such elevations are strongly associated with advanced prostate pathology.

PSA values are measured in ng/mL, and normal levels are much lower than 100. A value above 100 ng/mL is extremely high and typically points to a substantial disease burden or, rarely, a lab error. When examining the time course, only the patient labeled as Patient B has a data point that crosses the 100 ng/mL threshold at any time; the other patient’s values never reach that level. In clinical practice, a PSA this high would prompt repeat testing to confirm and imaging to assess disease extent, since such elevations are strongly associated with advanced prostate pathology.