What is the Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) test?

The Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) blood test measures the total amount of PSA in the bloodstream. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland and released into the blood in small amounts under normal conditions.

PSA levels may rise when the prostate is enlarged, inflamed, infected, or affected by cancer. While PSA testing does not diagnose prostate cancer on its own, it is a widely used marker for assessing prostate health and guiding further investigation.

This test is commonly used in routine prostate screening, monitoring prostate conditions, and evaluating urinary symptoms in men.

Why do I need a test for Prostate Specific Antigen (Total)?

PSA testing helps detect prostate abnormalities early, often before symptoms develop. It is particularly valuable for men over 50, those with urinary symptoms, or individuals with a family history of prostate cancer.

Testing is also used to monitor known prostate conditions and assess changes in PSA levels over time.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Urinary frequency or urgency

• Weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination

• Nocturia (night-time urination)

• Family history of prostate cancer

• Known prostate enlargement

• Prostate inflammation or infection

• Routine prostate health screening

• Monitoring of prostate-related conditions

Benefits of the Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) test

1. Screens prostate health
   Provides an early indicator of prostate abnormalities.

2. Supports early detection
   Identifies changes before symptoms appear.

3. Monitors prostate conditions
   Useful for tracking benign enlargement or inflammation.

4. Guides further testing decisions
   Helps determine need for additional prostate markers or imaging.

5. Relevant for age-related screening
   Commonly used in men over 50.

6. Assesses response to treatment
   Monitors PSA changes during prostate management.

7. Non-invasive prostate assessment
   Requires only a blood sample.

8. Widely recognised clinical marker
   Supported by extensive clinical use and guidelines.

Step-by-step – how we offer Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) results explained

Low PSA levels

Low PSA levels are generally reassuring and suggest a lower likelihood of significant prostate disease at the time of testing.

PSA levels naturally vary with age and prostate size.

UK reference interpretation:

• Low: <1.0 µg/L

Normal PSA levels

PSA levels within the expected range suggest stable prostate health. Interpretation depends on age, prostate size, and clinical context.

Trend monitoring over time is often more informative than a single result.

UK reference interpretation:

• Normal: Age-adjusted reference ranges

Elevated PSA levels

Raised PSA levels may indicate benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, or prostate cancer. Elevated results do not confirm cancer but warrant further assessment.

Additional testing may include Free PSA, imaging, or specialist referral.

UK reference interpretation:

• Elevated: >3.0 µg/L (age-dependent)