PSA Testing
Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland · GPhC Registered 9012617
A PSA test is one of the most talked about, and most misunderstood, blood tests available to men. This guide explains what it actually checks, what your result does and does not tell you, and why the number on its own is only part of the picture.
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“Does a raised PSA result mean I have prostate cancer?”
Not on its own, and this is one of the most important things to understand about this test. A raised result can have several explanations, which is exactly why it is interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, and other factors, rather than read in isolation.
PSA is a useful piece of information, but it is not a yes or no answer on its own. Levels can be raised for several reasons unrelated to cancer, and can also be normal even when further investigation would still be worthwhile in some circumstances. Your clinician looks at your whole picture, not just the number.
General guidance on the use and interpretation of PSA testing.What is PSA?
PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Small amounts are normally present in the blood, and levels can rise for a number of reasons, only one of which is prostate cancer. Our test measures total PSA, free PSA, and the ratio between them, which gives your clinician more context than a single PSA number alone.
A high PSA result always means cancer.
An enlarged prostate, infection, recent ejaculation, or even cycling shortly beforehand can all raise PSA temporarily. A raised result usually leads to further discussion and monitoring, not an automatic diagnosis.
Thinking about prostate health?
A conversation with our pharmacist can help you decide if testing is right for you, with same-week appointments and no general practitioner referral needed.
What can affect your result
Mentioning any of these to your clinician before testing helps them interpret your result accurately, and they may suggest waiting a short time before testing if any of these apply.
PSA levels naturally rise somewhat with age, so what counts as a typical result varies depending on how old you are. Your clinician takes your age into account when discussing your result with you.
Understanding your result
Your clinician explains your result clearly, in the context of your age, symptoms, and the ratio between your total and free PSA. A raised result does not mean a diagnosis has been made, it means further discussion, and sometimes further investigation, is a sensible next step. Equally, a normal result is reassuring but does not rule out every possibility with complete certainty.
What happens at your appointment?
A conversation about your symptoms, family history, and anything that might affect your result.
A straightforward blood sample, in the same gentle way as any other blood test.
Your clinician talks you through what your result means, and any sensible next steps.
Should I avoid anything before testing?
Your clinician may advise avoiding ejaculation and vigorous exercise for a short period beforehand, since both can temporarily raise your result. They will confirm this when you book.
Do I need symptoms to have this test?
No. Some people test as part of general health awareness, particularly with a family history or as they get older. Your clinician can talk through whether testing makes sense for you.
What happens if my result is raised?
Your clinician explains what this means for you specifically, and advises on sensible next steps, which may include further investigation or referral.
How Veritas Pharmacy can help
Our PSA test costs £79, plus a £35 phlebotomy fee for taking your blood sample. No general practitioner referral is needed.
PSA prostate screening test
Book directly, no referral required.
Private pharmacist consultation
Talk through whether testing is right for you.
- PSA is a useful piece of information, not a definitive answer on its own.
- Several everyday factors, including infection and recent exercise, can affect your result.
- Your result is interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, and history.
- A raised result usually leads to further discussion, not an automatic diagnosis.
Related reading
Ready to find out more?
Book a PSA test directly, or speak to us first if you would like to talk through whether it is right for you.
Free pharmacist consultation. GPhC registered. No pressure to book.
The information in this post is for general information purposes. It is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare professional. We make an effort to keep the content on this page up to date and accurate.
blood tests, health hub, Men's Health, prostate health, PSA test, Sunderland Pharmacy, Veritas Pharmacy