Prognostics
What is PSA Doubling Time? (And Why Velocity Matters)
December 5, 2025•5 min read
Most men focus on the absolute PSA number—is it 4.0? Is it 10.0? But in modern urology, the speed of change (Velocity) and the PSA Doubling Time (PSADT) are often far more important than any single test result.
The Concept of "Doubling Time"
PSA Doubling Time (PSADT) is simply the number of months (or years) it takes for your PSA level to multiply by two. It is a measure of the tumor's growth rate.
| Doubling Time | Risk Level | Typical Action |
|---|---|---|
| < 6 months | High Risk | Immediate treatment / scans |
| 6 - 12 months | Intermediate | Close monitoring / consider biopsy |
| > 12 months | Low Risk | Continue surveillance |
Warning
One spike is not a trend. BPH and Prostatitis can cause temporary spikes in PSA that look like rapid doubling. Always confirm with a second test before making major decisions.
Use our free calculator to track your own trends, and verify PSA Density with our Volume Calculator.