PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Blood Test

What is Included In the PSA Test?

• A Blood test
• 10-minute appointment
• No GP referral required
• Results sent electronically within 7 working days.

Please note: We only scan patients over the age of 18 years. For multiple pregnancies, there is an additional charge of £25

What is a PSA blood test?

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures PSA. This is a protein that’s produced by cells in the prostate gland. Small amounts of PSA normally circulate in the blood. PSA levels may rise when the prostate is enlarged, inflamed, infected, or affected by cancer.

PSA is measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL).

Why might someone get a PSA blood test?

PSA testing is used to assess prostate health, especially when a patient has urinary symptoms.

These may include:

• The need to pass urine more frequently.
• The feeling of urgency.
• A weak flow when urinating.
• Waking up multiple times at night to pee.
• Feeling of incomplete emptying.

PSA can also be used as a baseline for future tests, to assess the risk of prostate cancer, or to monitor benign conditions (e.g., benign prostate enlargement).

What are the limitations of the PSA test?

PSA is not specific to prostate cancer. Levels can rise due to benign prostatic enlargement, prostatitis (i.e., inflammation of the prostate gland), urinary tract infection, ejaculation, and pressure on the prostate (e.g., cycling).

A recent prostate examination or procedures can also elevate PSA. Some prostate cancers produce little PSA, which means a normal result does not fully exclude cancer. Because PSA can generate false positives and false reassurance, results must be interpreted carefully. A raised PSA usually warrants repeat testing, assessment for infection, and consideration of referral to the urologist for a camera test.

How to prepare for the PSA test

Avoid ejaculation, cycling, and vigorous exercise for 48 hours before the blood test, as this can temporarily raise PSA. If urinary infection symptoms exist, testing may need to be delayed since infections can also significantly elevate PSA. Recent prostate procedures, catheter use, and prostate examination should be reported before sampling. Patients who take medications that affect the prostate should inform the clinic.

When will my results become available?

Results are usually available within 7 working days. PSA results are interpreted with consideration of the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and trend over time. Further tests may be recommended depending on the result.