Diagnostic Test
PSA Testing
A simple blood test used to check your prostate health and screen for potential issues. It is the primary tool used by UK doctors to help detect prostate cancer early.
Key Takeaways
- A simple blood test used to check your prostate health and screen for potential issues. It is the primary tool used by UK doctors to help detect prostate cancer early.
- We offer specialist interpretation and related treatments. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
Overview
About PSA Testing
The PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of a protein called Prostate-Specific Antigen. This protein is produced by your prostate gland. While it is normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, a raised level can be a "red flag" that something might be wrong with your prostate. It is usually the first step in a "prostate check" at a UK clinic or GP surgery.
Test Information
Understanding Your Test
A detailed guide to your diagnostic procedure — from essential preparation and the purpose of the test to safety considerations and what to expect during the process.
The test is a standard blood draw, exactly like any other routine blood test you may have had. A nurse or phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm, gently insert a needle into a vein, and take a small sample of blood. The whole process is very quick and you can go about your day normally afterwards.
You will feel a small "scratch" or "pinch" when the needle goes in, which lasts only a second. Most people find it no more uncomfortable than a quick sting. You might have a tiny bit of bruising on your arm afterwards, but this fades quickly.
In the UK, this test is the main way to screen for prostate cancer, especially for men over 50 or those with a family history of the disease. It is also used to investigate symptoms like having trouble peeing, to monitor an enlarged prostate (BPH), or to see how well a treatment is working. Many men also use a PSA test as a "baseline" to track their prostate health over several years.
At a glance
Preparation required
- Avoid ejaculation: Do not have sex or masturbate for 48 hours before the test.
- Avoid vigorous exercise: Do not go cycling or do heavy gym work for 48 hours before the test, as this can "jostle" the prostate and raise PSA levels.
- Check for infection: If you think you have a water infection (stinging when you pee), wait until it is fully cleared before testing.
- Recent procedures: If you have had a bladder camera (cystoscopy) or a prostate biopsy, you should wait 6 weeks before having a PSA test.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): It is best to wait at least one week after a physical prostate check before having your blood drawn.
Risks or considerations
- False Positives: Your PSA might be high because of an enlarged prostate or infection, rather than cancer. This can lead to unnecessary worry or further tests.
- False Negatives: In rare cases, some aggressive cancers do not produce much PSA, meaning the test could miss them.
- Over-diagnosis: Sometimes the test finds very slow-growing cancers that would never have caused you any harm in your lifetime.
What it can help diagnose
- Prostate Cancer: Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A water infection can cause a temporary "spike" in your PSA levels.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every test is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this test and what to expect
3 questions
There is no single 'normal' number. PSA levels naturally rise as you get older because the prostate grows. Generally, for a man in his 50s, a PSA under 3.0 ng/mL is considered low risk. However, urologists today look at 'PSA Velocity'—how fast the number is changing over time—rather than just a single snapshot.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Both ejaculation and physical pressure on the prostate (like sitting on a bicycle saddle) can cause the gland to leak extra PSA into the bloodstream temporarily. This can lead to a 'false positive' result. By avoiding these activities for 48 hours, we ensure the level we measure is your true 'resting' PSA.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Not necessarily. In 2026, the standard next step for a high PSA is usually a multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scan. This non-invasive scan allows us to see if there are any suspicious areas in the prostate. If the MRI is clear, we may simply monitor your PSA rather than proceeding straight to a biopsy.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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