Prostate profile

Check your levels of Prostate Specific Antigen

We deliver this test in our pharmacies, through our association with London Medical Laboratory. The price per test will be provided at the time of booking, before confirmation.

Introduction

This simple test is used to check your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, as a high PSA level can be a sign of prostate gland problems.

Please be aware that PSA tests cannot be used as a reliable test for diagnosing prostate cancer or eliminating its presence. If your PSA level is found to be high, you will need to see a urologist for further investigations and if you are experiencing any symptoms, you will have to see a doctor.

The prostate is responsible for producing the fluid that makes semen when it mixes with sperm. Prostate problems are particularly common in older men, who can go on to develop serious conditions like prostate cancer if they are undiagnosed.

How does this test work?

Blood tests are the best way to find any underlying health issues and also to monitor existing conditions. Whether you have health concerns, want to manage an existing condition or simply want peace of mind, having a blood test is a quick, easy and affordable way of taking care of your health.

Our pharmacies offer testing in-store which is convenient, simple and stress-free, with fast results within 5-7 days.

*Please note that a blood test is not a substitute for consulting your doctor, especially if you have any symptoms. A diagnosis should not be made and treatment should not be started without a consultation from a trained healthcare professional.

What do you test?

Prostate (3 Biomarkers)

We test for the following biomarkers, which are released into the prostate fluid which mixes with sperm and makes semen. Prostate issues are most common in men as they age and if left undiagnosed, can lead to a serious condition like prostate cancer.

Total prostate specific antigen

The test looks at the total prostate specific antigen, which is the complete amount which is produced by prostate gland cells, and it can be used to monitor and detect what treatment is needed for prostate cancer.

Free prostate specific antigen

This antigen is made in prostate gland cells and is a free protein which is not bound with any other proteins found in the blood. As above, it is used to detect treatment response for prostate cancer.

Free: Total PSA ratio

This measurement calculation shows the amount of free prostate specific antigen there is in the body compared to total prostate specific antigen, which are produced by cells found in the prostate. This is also for detection of prostate cancer and treatment response.

FAQs

What do the results mean?

Levels of PSA vary with age, but a total level of more than 10.0 µg/L can be an indication of an elevated risk of prostate cancer. This in-pharmacy test can help with a prostate cancer diagnosis and can also monitor the patient’s reaction to medication. However, a higher PSA result can be due to several factors including age, family history, ethnicity and prostate size.

What can affect my results?

A recent invasive operation or prostate biopsy can lead to raised PSA levels, with other factors including vigorous physical activity, ejaculation or a recent rectal examination. This is why the test should be carried out either before, or some time after, any of these events.