Home PSA test kit now available

A testing kit for use at home by anyone concerned about their prostate can now be bought from high street outlets including Tesco, Superdrug and many other independent pharmacies.  It costs just £10.  The test indicates whether the person tested has a PSA lower or higher than 3ng/ml.  Marketed as a Prostate Disease Risk Assessment Test, the kit comprises a sterile scalpel with which to prick a finger, a plastic pipette with which to pick up a drop of blood and a plastic container with chemically coated paper which develops one coloured stripe if the test is negative and two stripes if it is positive.  Within the pack there is an information leaflet, which addresses user's questions such as:

Is the test safe and accurate? Yes and it is accurate and simple to use.  The test measures the presence of PSA in excess of 3ng/ml and causes a positive reaction over that level.  It is not the same test as used in a NHS laboratory which can determine the actual PSA value rather than give a go / no go result.

What does a raised PSA signify? A raised PSA can be caused by several factors such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, infection or recent examination can raise the PSA level.  It may be indicative of prostate cancer.

Does a positive test mean Cancer? A positive test does not necessarily mean the presence of prostate cancer.  If the test is positive, it is advisable to seek qualified medical opinion.  Only a specialist (urologist) can diagnose prostate cancer.  This is normally done by physical examination of the prostate and biopsy.

Why pay for a test? Can I not be tested for free under the NHS?  This is the only PSA test easily available from pharmacies and particularly suitable for men who might be self-conscious about asking their GP about problems with their prostate.

Will a GP take a positive test result seriously? A GP should take the evidence seriously and offer to run a test to check the patient's PSA levels.