Advanced Prostate Screening (PSA & Free-PSA) Blood Test

Biomarkers/Parameters tested with this female hormone profile test kit:

• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
• Free PSA
• Percent Free Prostate Specific Antigen.

 Advanced Prostate Health Screening (PSA) Blood Test Guide

The PSA test measures two key markers: total PSA and free PSA. Total PSA shows the overall level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood, while free PSA measures the unbound portion. The ratio of free to total PSA, expressed as a percentage, helps indicate the likelihood of prostate cancer. Generally, a higher free PSA percentage suggests a lower risk, while a lower percentage indicates a higher risk. For example, over 25% usually points to a low probability of cancer, 15–25% is intermediate, and below 15% indicates a higher risk. This combined information gives your doctor a clearer picture of your prostate health and whether further tests are needed.

Test Limitations

 The PSA test is useful for checking prostate health, but certain factors can raise PSA levels even if there’s no cancer.

• Ejaculation within 24-48 hours before the test can temporarily increase PSA, so doctors usually advise avoiding ejaculation for at least 48 hours before testing.
• Physical examination of the prostate, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE), can also slightly raise PSA levels.
• Infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), can significantly increase PSA—sometimes up to five times the usual level. After an infection or inflammation, it may take up to 6 weeks for PSA levels to return to normal.
Because of these factors, doctors may repeat the test after symptoms have resolved before making any decisions.

Important Considerations for PSA Results

While PSA serves as a reliable marker for prostate-related issues, it lacks specificity for prostate cancer exclusively. Elevated PSA levels may also signal conditions such as prostate enlargement, prostatitis, or urinary tract infections. Hence, the following points need to be taken into consideration:

PSA is not a definitive test for prostate cancer, as elevated levels can also be seen in non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic enlargement. A raised PSA does not always indicate cancer, and in some cases may lead to further investigations, including prostate biopsy, even when no cancer is present.

Conversely, a normal PSA level does not completely exclude prostate cancer, as false-negative results can occur. For this reason, PSA results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical findings.

If you experience symptoms such as difficulty passing urine, frequent urination at night, or a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, it is important to speak to a doctor, even if your PSA result is within the normal range.

The American Cancer Society recommends digital rectal examination (DRE) as the primary test for detecting prostate tumours. Recent studies suggest that serum PSA testing can provide additional information. Therefore, PSA should be used alongside DRE.

Ultimate Prostate Check (PSA) Blood Test – FAQ

What is PSA?
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate. Raised PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by benign conditions such as prostate enlargement, infections, or inflammation.

What does the test measure?
The test measures both total PSA and free PSA. The ratio of free to total PSA helps your doctor assess your risk of prostate cancer more accurately.

Who should consider PSA testing?
Men over 50, or over 45 if of Black ethnicity, and those with a family history of prostate cancer may benefit from regular testing. Lifestyle factors like poor diet and obesity can also increase risk.

Can I collect my sample at home?
Yes. Our home kit includes everything you need, including a pre-paid return envelope. Your sample is analyzed in a lab, and results are available online with professional guidance.

Are instant or rapid home tests reliable?

Instant or rapid home tests, sometimes referred to as self-tests, are small cartridge-based tests similar to pregnancy tests. They require a small drop of blood and provide a result using lines or colour changes. The sample is not analysed in a laboratory.

These tests may offer a general indication but are less accurate than laboratory-based testing and results can be difficult to interpret. They should not be used as a substitute for a laboratory PSA test or clinical assessment.

Do I need to fast before the test?
Fasting is not required. However, it’s best to avoid heavy meals 8-10 hours before the test, as high-fat meals can make the blood sample lipemic (cloudy), which may affect test accuracy.

Do I need to prepare for the test?
Yes. Avoid ejaculation for at least 48 hours before testing. PSA can also be temporarily raised by a recent urinary tract infection, prostatitis, or a digital rectal exam.

What is considered a normal PSA level?
Normal PSA levels vary by age:

• 40–49: >2.5 ng/ml
• 50–59: >3.5 ng/ml
• 60–69: >4.5 ng/ml
• 70+: >6.5 ng/ml

What does a raised PSA mean?
A high PSA does not automatically indicate cancer. Your doctor may repeat the test or recommend further investigations, such as a biopsy, before any diagnosis.

Can PSA detect cancer early?
Yes. PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer before symptoms develop, including fast-growing cancers, making early treatment more effective.

What symptoms should prompt me to see a doctor?
Even if your PSA is normal, see a doctor if you experience difficulty urinating, frequent night-time urination, weak flow, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

How can I reduce my risk of prostate cancer?
While some risk factors, like age and genetics, can’t be changed, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active may help reduce your overall risk.

You can trust LHC Lab, as it is regulated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission), the same body that regulates NHS hospitals and clinics.

At LHC Lab, we use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to deliver accurate, reliable, and consistent results you can trust. Every test undergoes rigorous internal quality control checks as part of each testing cycle, ensuring precision at every stage of analysis.

We also take part in independent external quality assurance programmes, where our results are regularly reviewed and benchmarked against other accredited laboratories. These continuous internal and external quality control processes ensure the highest standards are maintained, giving you confidence that your results are accurate and dependable.

The report will be quantitative, containing actual figures and remarks for results that fall outside the normal range. The report will be sent to your email.