PSA Prostate Test
£99
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Biomarkers Included with the PSA Prostate Test blood test
Scroll down for more information about each biomarker
PSA Total
PSA Free
PSA Free:Total Ratio
Why choose us for your PSA Prostate Test
About the PSA Prostate Test blood test
The prostate gland is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra which is the tube men urinate and ejaculate through.
Its main job is to help make semen which is the fluid that carries sperm.
This blood test measures Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. It is normal for all men to have a small amount of PSA in their blood, and this amount rises as you get older
What is a Prostate PSA Test?
A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, including:
- Enlarged prostate
- Inflammation or infection of the prostate called prostatitis
- Urine infection
- Prostate cancer
A raised PSA level does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Other things can also cause your PSA level to rise. If you have a raised PSA level, then we would strongly recommend discussing the results with your GP for further action.
A prostate PSA test is one of the most common tests used to indicate if you have issues with your prostate.
The test measures the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA can be produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, and this test serves as one of the methods of checking on the health and functionality of the prostate gland.
A prostate PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, other conditions can lead to increased presence of PSA in the blood stream, such as enlarged or inflamed prostate. Therefore, determining what a high PSA score means can be complicated, and additional diagnostic methods may be necessary to determine if you have prostate cancer.
Why Do You Need a Prostate PSA Test?
Prostate cancer is one of the common types of cancer and a frequent cause of cancer death. Early detection of the condition is crucial to getting appropriate and timely treatment. One of the methods of detecting the disease in its early stages is through prostate PSA testing.
Prostate cancer can cause elevated levels of PSA. However, other noncancerous conditions can also increase PSA levels. The PSA test aims to detect whether you have high levels of PSA in the blood. However, it doesn’t provide adequate diagnostic information about the condition of the prostate.
The test is the only tool used to screen for early signs of prostate cancer. If the test indicates high levels of PSA, the medical practitioners can look into the condition further and proceed with other diagnostic procedures to confirm the type of condition affecting your prostate.
Among the follow-up diagnostic procedures that can follow a positive PSA test is a transrectal ultrasound that will take detailed images of your prostate. If they reveal any suspicious areas, a biopsy may be required to confirm the nature of the suspicious areas.
If you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the prostate PSA test can also be used to:
- Judge the effectiveness of the treatment
- Check for recurring cancer
What to Expect During a Prostate PSA Test
The test will start with a healthcare professional drawing your blood using a small needle to take blood from a vein in your arm before sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis.
Before taking the tests, you should consider several precautions. Certain drugs can increase the PSA levels in your blood. It is important to inform your provider about any recent procedures or medications that may affect your urinary system, including surgeries, infections, or injuries.
You may also be advised to avoid sex or masturbating for 24 hours before your blood draw. Your PSA level can rise after releasing semen. So, a day of abstinence can ensure you get the most accurate results on the test.
After providing the blood sample for the PSA test, the rest of the procedure is quick and painless. You might experience minor bruising around the spot where the needle was inserted, but this usually goes away quickly.
No precautions or restrictions are recommended after receiving a PSA blood test. After the test, you can go about your daily routine as usual.
Biomarker information for PSA Prostate Test blood test
PSA – Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein produced in the prostate by both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. PSA Total is the total amount of PSA found in your blood
PSA – Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein produced in the prostate by both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. PSA Free is the amount of unbound PSA found in your blood
This is a calculated value to show the ratio of the amount of Free PSA to the total amount of PSA found in your blood
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What does the PSA Prostate Test blood test involve?
This blood test is just like a standard blood test.
You will be asked to uncover you left or right arm and suitable vein is found. A tourniquet will be placed and tightened around your upper arm allowing the veins to swell and a needle will be placed into your vein. A small quantity of blood is then drawn into tubes. Once the procedure is complete a small plaster will be placed onto the site which can be removed after a few hours.
How do I prepare
- The blood test requires access to the area of interest, therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- If you are unsure about the preparation, please contact us for further information.
How to find us
We pride ourselves on providing the best quality service we can which is why we are trusted by GP's, doctors, physiotherapists, midwives and many other healthcare professionals.
Our mission of better quality healthcare for everyone is at the heart of everything we do and drives us to do the best we can for each and every patient that we see. Our team of experts have years of experience and are fully registered and regulated meaning you are in safe hands with us.
PSA Prostate Test FAQ's
What is the cost of a prostate PSA test in London?
The cost of the prostate PSA test in London will vary depending on where you get it. If you go to a hospital, consultation costs and other fees may be added, making the test more costly. You can get the test at The Scan Clinic for £149.
What PSA levels are above normal?
The usual range of PSA levels changes as you get older. Typically, the older you are, the higher the average level becomes. If you are tested and your PSA level is over 3.0 ng/ml, your PSA test should be repeated within 1-3 months. Sometimes, the level can return to normal by itself. In addition, your doctor may order a free to-total PSA ratio test. If the levels are still elevated and the free-to-total ratio is low, you may be referred to a specialist for additional testing.
How long does the PSA test take?
The test itself doesn’t take long. It’s relatively quick, especially when you already have an appointment. Once we have a sample of your blood, the results are ready in 1-2 days.
What if I'm found to have elevated PSA levels next?
If the test shows you have elevated PSA levels, you may be required to take another test in 1-3 months to recheck the levels, and if your healthcare provider is convinced something might be wrong, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing.
Important Notes
- We may require details of your GP / Health Care Professional before or at the time of the test.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- Blood results require interpretation. All results should be interpreted by your regular health care professional / GP.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 16 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.