Prostate Profile

Measures total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA and the calculated free-to-total PSA ratio to support a clinician-led assessment of prostate health. It cannot diagnose or rule out prostate cancer and should be interpreted with age, symptoms, examination findings and other clinical information. At a glance Sample: Blood Collection: Follow the supplied instructions for providing your blood sample Estimated turnaround: 1 day from laboratory receipt of a usable sample What this test measures Total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) A prostate protein that can be raised for cancerous and non-cancerous reasons. A raised result can occur with prostate cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation or recent prostate stimulation and normally requires clinician-led follow-up. Free prostate-specific antigen (free PSA) The portion of PSA circulating in an unbound form. A raised result can occur with prostate cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation or recent prostate stimulation and normally requires clinician-led follow-up. Free-to-total PSA ratio A calculated ratio that may add context to total PSA; it cannot diagnose or rule out prostate cancer. A raised result can occur with prostate cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation or recent prostate stimulation and normally requires clinician-led follow-up. How clinicians use this test Clinicians may use Total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Free prostate-specific antigen (free PSA) and Free-to-total PSA ratio as one part of investigating symptoms, estimating risk or planning follow-up. Tumour and risk markers cannot diagnose or exclude cancer on their own. Is this the right test for you? Someone considering this marker after discussing its benefits, limitations and follow-up with a clinician. It is not a substitute for symptom assessment or an NHS screening pathway. Preparation and collection Follow the supplied kit instructions. No product-specific preparation requirements are stated publicly. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless a clinician tells you to. Understanding your result The most useful information is usually the pattern across Total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Free prostate-specific antigen (free PSA) and Free-to-total PSA ratio, not one isolated flag. Related markers can support or contradict each other, and a mildly out-of-range value may reflect normal biological variation, collection conditions or temporary illness rather than disease. Your results and next steps Share any raised, positive or unexpected result with your GP or the clinician who advised testing. Further assessment may include examination, imaging or another test. Limitations This test cannot diagnose or rule out cancer by itself. False-positive and false-negative results are possible, and symptoms require assessment regardless of the result. When to get medical help Do not wait for a home-test result if you feel seriously unwell. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or use NHS 111 when you need urgent advice and are unsure what to do.