PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Blood Test

Our at-home test measures your PSA level to see if it’s raised. A PSA Blood Test can help pick up prostate cancer before symptoms develop, and may detect a fast-growing cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective. Regular testing can be useful if you’re at increased risk, such as if you have a family history of the condition. And if you’ve already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you can monitor your level with regular PSA tests.

If your PSA level is raised, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. There are many other reasons why you may have a raised PSA level (find out more in the limitations of the test section). 

A PSA blood test is just a first step, and if your result is only slightly raised, your doctor may suggest repeating the test in a few weeks. If your PSA level is repeatedly raised, or if you have other signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, such as needing to urinate more often, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests. 

Not all prostate cancer is aggressive and, in some cases, might not need treatment. 

PSA or prostate specific antigen is a protein made by healthy cells in the prostate — a small gland that sits below the bladder in males. As you get older, your prostate gets bigger, and it’s normal to see your PSA level gradually increase over time. However, prostate cancer can also cause PSA levels to increase, so measuring PSA can be a useful screening tool.

In the early stages, prostate cancer doesn’t usually have any signs or symptoms. But as it grows and develops, it usually begins to press against the urethra, changing the way you urinate, and causing symptoms like a weak flow and needing to urinate more often (especially at night). However, these symptoms aren’t always a sign of cancer and it’s best to talk to your GP about any new symptoms.

There is no one PSA level that’s considered normal. However, PSA level thresholds differ with age. The table below, based on figures from NICE guidance, applies to patients with possible symptoms of prostate cancer, and is given as a guide. You may be referred to a specialist if your PSA level corresponds with these figures. But your GP will take many other factors into account (such as any symptoms you may have and examination results) before referring you.

Age	PSA level
40-49	>2.5ng/ml
50-59	>3.5ng/ml
60-69	>4.5ng/ml
70-70	>6.5ng/ml

Prostate cancer is only one of several causes of raised PSA levels. And many of these other causes are benign and treatable. They include urinary tract infections (UTIs), or even recent ejaculation and some forms of exercise. Find out more about causes of raised PSA levels.

If your PSA level is raised, you may be wondering how you can reduce your level. But it’s perhaps more important to consider how you can reduce your overall risk of prostate cancer. Many risk factors are fixed, such as age, ethnicity, and having a family history of the disease. However, lifestyle factors like having a healthy diet and taking regular exercise may help to reduce your risk. And maintaining a healthy weight may also reduce your risk of developing advanced forms of prostate cancer.

Yes, you can check your PSA level at home with our PSA home test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including a pre-paid return envelope. Our PSA home test includes a full lab analysis of your blood sample. You can access your results on your MyMedichecks dashboard, alongside doctor’s advice and any next steps.

The risk of prostate cancer is higher if you’re over 50, over 45 and of black ethnicity, or if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

Some lifestyle factors are also likely to increase your risk, such as being overweight and eating a poor diet, especially one that’s low in vegetables and high in processed meats and saturated fats.

Trans women and non-binary people who were assigned male at birth have a prostate, even after gender-affirming surgery, so it’s still possible to get prostate cancer.

Your risk will vary depending on whether you’ve had treatment that affects your testosterone levels. Testosterone-lowering therapy and gender-affirming surgery can slightly reduce your risk of prostate cancer compared to cis men, but they can also falsely lower your PSA level. It's important these factors are considered when a doctor interprets your result. You can find out more about measuring PSA if you’re a trans woman or non-binary in our blog.