Randox PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen) Home Kit

Product Summary

Blood test measuring PSA and other blood markers known to be altered in prostate cancer to generate a prostate cancer risk score.

Find out more about your prostate health with a Prostate-Specific Antigen test.

This PSA home sampling collection kit measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood and can indicate abnormality within the prostate.state health with a Prostate-Specific Antigen test.
Over 52,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, with around 1 in 8 men affected in their lifetime. If detected early treatment can be very successful with 8 in 10 men surviving for more than 10 years.

• Sample type: Home finger prick
• Results: in 2-3 working days from receipt of sample at lab.

Why Get Tested?

PSA measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. These levels tend to increase with age and size of the prostate.

Although PSA is highly specific for prostate disease, it is not specific for prostate cancer. PSA levels can be raised by factors other than cancer including urinary tract infection (UTI) and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In fact, almost 75% of men with a raised PSA who are referred for further investigations have a negative prostate biopsy.

Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms, however it’s a good idea to get checked out just in case.

Possible symptoms may be similar to other conditions and can include:

• difficulty emptying your bladder or a feeling your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
• weak flow or difficulty starting to urinate
• needing to urinate more often especially during the night or a sudden need to urinate
• blood in the urine
• back/hip or pelvis pain

What is tested for in this kit?

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

As men get older their prostate gland enlarges and can press on the urethra and bladder affecting how you pass urine. Symptoms of BPH therefore can include frequent need to urinate, difficulty passing urine or a sudden/urgent need to pass urine. Its important to have a PSA test if you have symptoms of BPH to rule out possible prostate cancer.

Why might my PSA levels be raised?

PSA levels rise naturally as men get older. Although levels can be raised in prostate cancer, raised levels may be due to prostatitis, an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infection, vigorous exercise, sexual activity or some medications. It is estimated that 75% of men with a raised PSA who are referred for further investigations have a negative prostate biopsy and therefore do not have prostate cancer.

How it works

Take your sample

• Follow the instructions with your kit.

Send it to the lab

• Activate your kit before sending your sample back to the lab.
• Place the prepaid label on the return package supplied containing your sample, and drop it off at the post office.

Get Your Results

• Once the lab receives your sample, they will begin to process it.
• Your results will be ready 2-3 days afterwards.
• Log in to your account to view your results.

What happens after I get my results?

You will get a personalised report

• An easy to interpret test report will provide a breakdown of your results, what they mean and the next steps.
• Reports will be emailed to the email address provided at the time of registration.
• Where necessary, if treatment is recommended, you can then share your report with your doctor to get prescription based treatment if and where necessary.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

At what age should men start checking their PSA levels?

A PSA test is advised for most men at the age of 50 or above, or sooner if they have risk factors. If you've had prostate cancer yourself or a family history (in a brother or father) of prostate cancer or are African American, screening may be recommended from age 45. Prostate cancer develops slowly and without warning signs, so screening can detect trouble before it's advanced. Though not all raised PSA levels cause cancer, this test will help you and your doctor decide if you need further checks. It is best to discuss your personal risk and frequency of testing with your GP.

Can I get a PSA test if I have no symptoms?

Yes, you can undergo this test even if you feel completely fit. In fact, many men with prostate cancer that is diagnosed early do not have any symptoms. The goal of PSA testing is early detection—catching potential problems before they cause noticeable signs. Taking this test without symptoms is often part of a proactive approach to health, especially if you’re over 50 or have a higher risk of prostate problems. If your result is normal, it gives peace of mind. If your PSA level is high, it doesn't mean cancer, but your doctor would certainly advise further testing.

What should I not do prior to getting the PSA test performed?

There are certain activities that can interfere with your PSA levels and yield a wrong result. To ensure the most accurate result, avoid sexual intercourse (specifically ejaculation), strenuous exercise such as cycling, or use of a prostate massager 48 hours before the test. If you've recently had a urinary tract infection, wait until it's gone before testing. Avoid testing immediately after prostate surgery or bladder surgeries. Some medications, such as finasteride (used for prostate or baldness), lower PSA levels. Always read the instructions in your kit and consult your doctor if you're unsure when to test.

How accurate is a PSA test at finding prostate cancer?

A PSA test is a good tool, but not flawless. It will detect abnormal changes in the prostate, but it does not decide whether the changes are cancerous or not. A raised PSA may result from conditions like an enlarged prostate, infection, or inflammation. About 3 out of every 4 men with a raised PSA won't have cancer upon biopsy. However, a high PSA can be a pre-emptive indicator, inspiring doctors to order more specific tests such as MRI scans or biopsies. This makes PSA testing a valuable first step towards diagnosing possible prostate issues before they become serious.

What if my PSA levels are high?

If your PSA levels are high, you don't always have cancer. Your physician will check your result and possibly inquire about any symptoms, medications, or activities in the past few days that may influence your levels. They may suggest repeating the test a couple of weeks later or performing other tests such as a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate MRI, or a biopsy. Your next course of action depends on your age, risk, and how elevated your PSA level is. Some men are checked on a regular basis. Knowing your results in advance allows you and your doctor to make the best choices for your health.

Can lifestyle changes lower your PSA or support prostate health?

Yes, positive lifestyle habits can preserve your prostate health and may be able to keep your PSA level stable. A well-balanced diet with abundant fruits, vegetables, and antioxidant foods (like tomatoes and green tea) might have a beneficial effect on the prostate. Engaging in daily exercise, practising stress management, and avoiding processed meats or diets high in fat are also beneficial. Reducing alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are especially important. While these lifestyle changes will not lower PSA by themselves, they ensure healthier prostate and heart functioning. If you're a high-risk individual or have current prostate issues, these steps can be incorporated into prevention.

How often should I get the PSA test?

How often you repeat a PSA test depends on your age, health, risk factors, and the result of your previous test. If your PSA is in the normal range and you are symptom-free, testing every 1–2 years is usually adequate for men older than 50 years. If your PSA is at the upper end or slightly elevated, your physician may recommend repeating the test in 6–12 months to monitor for changes. For men with a history of prostate cancer or other risk factors in their family, more frequent checks may be advised. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding the frequency of testing, especially if you're under surveillance or receiving treatment.