Free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Free PSA Test | Prostate Health | London Blood Tests

Measure Free PSA levels with our blood test for £48. Supports prostate cancer risk assessment. UKAS-accredited testing, optional GP review.

The Free Prostate Specific Antigen (Free PSA) Test measures the unbound fraction of PSA in the blood and is used to refine prostate cancer risk assessment, particularly when total PSA levels are borderline or mildly elevated. Testing is performed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results typically available within 10 business days and an optional GP consultation.

What is a Free PSA Blood Test?

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland and released into the bloodstream. PSA circulates in two forms: bound PSA (attached to blood proteins) and free PSA (unbound). The Free PSA Testspecifically measures the percentage of PSA that is free rather than bound.

Men with benign prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tend to have a higher proportion of free PSA, while men with prostate cancer often have a lower percentage of free PSA, even if total PSA levels are similar.

The Free PSA test is most useful when:

• Total PSA is between 4–10 ng/mL

• There is uncertainty about prostate cancer risk

• Clinicians want to reduce unnecessary biopsies

At London Blood Tests, Free PSA is measured using validated immunoassay techniques in line with UK clinical standards.

Benefits of the Free PSA Test

1. Improves Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification
   Helps distinguish between benign prostate enlargement and malignancy when total PSA is inconclusive.

2. Reduces Unnecessary Biopsies
   A higher free PSA percentage suggests lower cancer risk, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.

3. Enhances Interpretation of Total PSA
   Adds important context to total PSA results rather than relying on a single marker.

4. Supports Early Detection
   Identifies men who may benefit from further investigation at an earlier stage.

5. Useful for Ongoing Monitoring
   Helps track prostate health changes over time in men with elevated PSA.

6. Non-Invasive and Convenient
   Requires only a simple blood test with no imaging or procedures.

7. Optional GP Consultation for Interpretation
   Results can be reviewed with a GP to discuss risk, next steps, or referral.

Why Do I Need a Free PSA Blood Test?

You may benefit from a Free PSA test if you:

• Have a borderline or mildly elevated total PSA

• Have symptoms of prostate enlargement

• Are monitoring prostate health over time

• Want to assess prostate cancer risk more accurately

• Have a family history of prostate cancer

Common prostate-related symptoms include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Incomplete bladder emptying

• Pelvic discomfort

Because PSA can rise due to non-cancerous causes, Free PSA testing provides greater diagnostic clarity.

How the Test Works

In-Clinic Testing at London Blood Tests

1. Book Your Appointment

   • Book online or by phone at your preferred clinic.

   • Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise 48 hours before testing if possible.

2. Pre-Test Review

   • Inform the clinician of recent prostate exams, infections, or procedures.

3. Sample Collection

   • A trained phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.

   • Takes approximately 5–10 minutes.

4. Laboratory Analysis

   • Sample analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory using immunoassay methods.

5. Quality Control

   • Results undergo internal verification before release.

6. Results Delivery

   • Results typically available within 10 business days.

7. Optional GP Consultation

   • Discuss risk assessment and next steps with a GP.

At-Home Blood Draw (Home or Hotel Phlebotomy – UK-Wide)

1. Book Your Visit

   • Arrange a phlebotomist home or hotel visit at a suitable time.

2. Professional Collection

   • Certified phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.

3. Secure Transport

   • Sample couriered the same day to the laboratory.

4. Laboratory Testing

   • Analysis identical to clinic testing.

5. Results & Follow-Up

   • Results delivered online, with optional GP review.

Your Free PSA Test Results – Explained

Free PSA results are reported as a percentage of total PSA.

Typical interpretation (when total PSA is 4–10 ng/mL):

• >25% Free PSA: lower prostate cancer risk

• 10–25% Free PSA: intermediate risk

• <10% Free PSA: higher prostate cancer risk

Important notes:

• Free PSA is not used alone to diagnose cancer

• Interpretation depends on age, total PSA, and clinical history

• Trends over time are clinically meaningful