Changes in PSA levels are not uncommon in men as they get older and can be caused by a number of factors, such as urinary infections and benign prostate hyperplasia as well as prostate cancer.
All of the conditions can be treated more effectively and efficiently if medical advice and intervention begins as early as possible. Prostate cancer remains the number one cause of cancer in men and, given that the UK has an ageing population, this is unlikely to change. Men are advised to carry out PSA examinations and screening annually from the age of 50-60 onwards and, where there is family history of prostate disease, it may be wise to undertake screening sooner. The SELFCheck Prostate Health (PSA) self-test is a simple and reliable way to check for elevated levels of PSA.
Medical conditions like prostate and bowel disorders are not easily discussed and can be embarrassing or awkward; therefore, a simple home SELFCheck screening test can provide men with the incentive needed to seek medical advice. The benefit of carrying out a SELFCheck Prostate Health Test in privacy ensures confidentiality as well as creating the incentive needed to take further steps in terms of managing personal health earlier. Consultation with a healthcare professional will facilitate earlier medical intervention. The test is easy to use, only requiring a small finger prick blood spot to perform the test and a visual result is available in 10 minutes.
An independent published trial of the rapid test device at the Department of Urology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany (Berg et al, 1999), showed that the sensitivity was 91%and specificity 84% with a cutoff level of 4ng/ml of PSA. Noted deviations were in the cutoff area between 3 and 5 ng/ml. The authors conclude, "The qualitative PSA one-step test presented here demonstrates good reproducibility. It can be conducted by the patient and is easy to use. The test offers a simple, feasible method for early detection programs for prostate cancer".
An easy to use home test that detects raised levels of a protein Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) associated with abnormalities associated with the prostate gland.
Why test for PSA levels?
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released into the blood stream in very small quantities. More PSA is released when there is a problem with the prostate. Prostate problems that result in elevated PSA include prostatitis, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Who is the test for?
It is recommended for men aged 50+ and those with a family history of prostate disorders.
What is PSA level?
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland and released into the blood stream in very small quantities. If there is a problem with the prostate, such as prostatitis, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, the prostate will release larger amounts of PSA into the blood. This test shows a positive result when the PSA level exceeds 4ng/ml.
How often should PSA levels be checked?
Men aged 50+ should perform this test regularly (as a minimum once a year). Those with a family history of prostate disorders should consider testing earlier and more regularly. Healthy individuals may also benefit from annual checks.
What is the best advice if the result is positive?
In all cases, consult your GP and do not make any medical decisions without taking advice from your doctor.
How should the test be disposed of?
After use, the test components can be disposed of with normal household waste.
Test kit contains:
1 test device, 1 dropper, 1 safety lancet, 1 buffer solution and instructions for use.