Description
PSA is a useful test, but it is one where understanding the caveats beforehand genuinely matters.
What this test measures
Total prostate-specific antigen.
Who it is for
- Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer
- Urinary symptoms: a weak stream, hesitancy, or getting up at night
- Men of African or Caribbean ancestry, who carry a higher baseline risk
Preparing for your test
Avoid all of the following before sampling, because each raises PSA and can produce a falsely alarming result:
- Ejaculation — 48 hours
- Vigorous exercise, particularly cycling — 48 hours
- A recent urinary infection — wait at least 6 weeks
- A recent prostate examination or catheter — wait at least a week
Worth knowing — please read
PSA is not a cancer test. It can be raised by benign prostate enlargement and by infection, and it can be normal in men who do have prostate cancer. A raised PSA usually leads to further assessment rather than a diagnosis.
Prostate screening is a genuinely balanced decision, with real potential for both benefit and harm through over-diagnosis. If you are unsure whether to test, that is a conversation worth having with a doctor first.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
