PSA blood test
A PSA blood test is one of the first tests you’ll be offered if you’re at risk of prostate cancer.
- A quick blood test
- Also called a prostate-specific antigen test
- Gives information about your risk of prostate cancer
Birmingham Prostate Clinic are a team of leading urologists and oncologists, who specialise in diagnosing and treating prostate, bladder and kidney conditions.
Our consultants are here with specialist medical advice and seamless pathways for tests and treatments, including for prostate cancer.
What is a PSA blood test?
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate that leaks into your bloodstream when the prostate is damaged
It’s used to check your risk of prostate cancer. This could be if:
- You have symptoms of prostate cancer
- You have a family history of prostate cancer
Your PSA is measured with a simple blood test. A high reading suggests that you’re more likely to have prostate cancer.
A raised PSA can also be caused by other prostate conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, which is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What happens during a PSA test?
A PSA test is a quick blood test usually taken through a vein in your arm.
Our consultants carry out PSA tests at private hopsitals and clinics with rapid testing facilities.
This means that your result is usually available to discuss with your specialist during your appointment, so that together you can decide the best plan for you.
“It is important for patients to receive their PSA results during a consultation with a doctor, who is able to explain what the results mean and discuss what steps should be taken.”
– Mr Alan Doherty, Clinical Director at Birmingham Prostate Clinic
We advise men over the age of 50 to have regular PSA measurements and keep a record of these readings.
We can give you a PSA record card to keep this information, helping your consultant to see how your PSA changes over time.
What are the next steps if my PSA is raised?
A raised PSA result is not a diagnosis of prostate cancer, but it means you’re more likely to have prostate cancer. You’ll need more tests to get a diagnosis.
Your consultant will consider:
- Your PSA result
- Your age and ethnicity
- Your family history
- Any previous PSA tests
If you decide together to have more tests for prostate cancer, our consultants can advise on the latest diagnostics that help accurately assess prostate cancer risk.
These include a pre-biopsy prostate MRI and template or fusion biopsy. These cutting-edge investigations offer personalised and accurate assessments, so that patients can avoid the biopsy until their consultant is confident that it’s needed.
Who are we and how can we help?
Birmingham Prostate Clinic is a group of expert urologists and oncologists, here to offer specialist advice and access to care pathways for prostate cancer.
Our consultants are experienced in using the latest diagnostic tests and scans, and know the importance of getting the answers you want about your health as quickly as possible.
We take a careful, stepwise approach to investigating any prostate condition, making sure you understand your options at every stage.
”The PSA test is not the only tool assessing prostate cancer risk. Combining it with a pre-biopsy prostate MRI and ultrasound gives a full and precise understanding of your prostate cancer risk.”
– Mr Alan Doherty
