Private/Home PSA test
Discussion
I know know how flawed the whole idea of PSA tests.is, but I still want one.
GP said no and then didn't reply when I sent the link showing the "right" to an NHS PSA test a d got no response.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prostate-cancer-risk-m...
So....
Are the PSA tests on amazon that have a covid style test sensitive enough to be useful?
Are there 'better' home tests, where an actual lab checks the results.
Can I just walk into a private clinic somewhere.(nuffield?).amd simply pay for the test that my doctor would give me?
GP said no and then didn't reply when I sent the link showing the "right" to an NHS PSA test a d got no response.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prostate-cancer-risk-m...
So....
Are the PSA tests on amazon that have a covid style test sensitive enough to be useful?
Are there 'better' home tests, where an actual lab checks the results.
Can I just walk into a private clinic somewhere.(nuffield?).amd simply pay for the test that my doctor would give me?
Your GP wont do one just cut you want one, you have to have symptoms, even though prostate cancer can be symptomless!
The Graham Fulford Prostate Charity have public events around the country where men can get PSA tested. They also visit employers such as mine but whilst some of these are private events, some are also open to he public. I have one every year with them when they visit my work. It was from one of their tests that lead me to be referred to the Urology dept at hospital, then an MRI which found 'something' which required a biopsy (totally painless and so easy, despite my initial fears). Thankfully the something they found was benign.
https://tgfct.org.uk
Alternatively private health websites such as Medicheck and Wellman do them, They send you a kit and you book in with a local approved private clinic for them to take the blood, which you then post back.
The Graham Fulford Prostate Charity have public events around the country where men can get PSA tested. They also visit employers such as mine but whilst some of these are private events, some are also open to he public. I have one every year with them when they visit my work. It was from one of their tests that lead me to be referred to the Urology dept at hospital, then an MRI which found 'something' which required a biopsy (totally painless and so easy, despite my initial fears). Thankfully the something they found was benign.
https://tgfct.org.uk
Alternatively private health websites such as Medicheck and Wellman do them, They send you a kit and you book in with a local approved private clinic for them to take the blood, which you then post back.
Like the OP my GP wouldn’t entertain a PSA test even after other prostate problems
I have had two private bloods drawn and tested
Last one was this lot
https://www.privategpservices.co.uk/locations
Booked Friday
Seen Tuesday , bloods drawn , results and email with there view on results Thursday afternoon
Not the cheapest but likely the one I go back again
I have had two private bloods drawn and tested
Last one was this lot
https://www.privategpservices.co.uk/locations
Booked Friday
Seen Tuesday , bloods drawn , results and email with there view on results Thursday afternoon
Not the cheapest but likely the one I go back again
£65 at Medichecks
https://www.medichecks.com/products/psa-prostate-s...
I used them for a comprehensive blood test earlier this year which picked up on a few issues. They have different options for getting he sample, from a DIY finger prick test at home to attending a local clinic (which I did). I can recommend them, the turnaround service was fast with results shown on your online medichecks account. I printed them off and dropped them at my GP surgery, then had a telephone appointment with my doctor who was pretty pissed off that I'd had so many things tested for with lots for him to read. He agreed that I was a fat b@stard and should do something about it, so I did
There is often discount codes to be found online for them. I found one that gave me something like £40 off
https://www.medichecks.com/products/psa-prostate-s...
I used them for a comprehensive blood test earlier this year which picked up on a few issues. They have different options for getting he sample, from a DIY finger prick test at home to attending a local clinic (which I did). I can recommend them, the turnaround service was fast with results shown on your online medichecks account. I printed them off and dropped them at my GP surgery, then had a telephone appointment with my doctor who was pretty pissed off that I'd had so many things tested for with lots for him to read. He agreed that I was a fat b@stard and should do something about it, so I did
There is often discount codes to be found online for them. I found one that gave me something like £40 off
Edited by The Gauge on Sunday 24th November 13:33
I’m not convinced of psa tests , I’ve had loads over the last 5 years , anywhere from apx 8 - 20+ test results , ive had apparently mri scans that showed the lump had changed , in the end all roads led to a biopsy , which always showed no change from 5 years previously .
Recently a different trust wernt happy with what my notes / normal trust were saying , they requested a biopsy , no request for psa / mri test .
Recently a different trust wernt happy with what my notes / normal trust were saying , they requested a biopsy , no request for psa / mri test .
Gas1883 said:
I’m not convinced of psa tests , I’ve had loads over the last 5 years , anywhere from apx 8 - 20+ test results , ive had apparently mri scans that showed the lump had changed , in the end all roads led to a biopsy , which always showed no change from 5 years previously .
Recently a different trust wernt happy with what my notes / normal trust were saying , they requested a biopsy , no request for psa / mri test .
I agree that PSA tests aren't the sweeping answer, they can give false negatives and false positives. There are many things that can affect the PSA result. They can only be seen as an indicator. With symptoms such as bladder issues they are worth having. An MRI is the only real way of knowing of there's something there, then requiring a biopsy.Recently a different trust wernt happy with what my notes / normal trust were saying , they requested a biopsy , no request for psa / mri test .
Ideally you want a false high reading leading to a Urology referral and an MRI scan where they find nothing. But the NHS can't afford to do that for everyone which is why they don't offer blanket PSA test screening for men as they'd give too many false positives, and too many false negatives leading folk to wrongly believe they are ok.
The Gauge said:
Your GP wont do one just cut you want one, you have to have symptoms, even though prostate cancer can be symptomless!
I walked into my GP practice and asked for a PSA. It was booked there and then, and I had the test done about a week later. No symptoms.What spured me was a mate having one, getting a high reading, then later being diagnosed with cancer. He was also had no symptoms.
https://www.mypsatests.org.uk/
Check Events in your area.
Some are private but others are free / donation.
Check Events in your area.
Some are private but others are free / donation.
Panamax said:
Question: What are the "symptoms" that would lead to someone believing they want/need a test?
Diificulty in peeing, getting up during the night, urgency or even incontinence are a few of the more common ones. Also several heredity & racial factors - if you have a family history of prostate cancer for instance, which might indicate you should be tested even if symptomless. Unfortunately as detailed above it's not a particularly reliable test which is why GPs may resist having it done. There's a lot of information here:
https://prostatematters.co.uk/
Actual said:
https://www.mypsatests.org.uk/
Check Events in your area.
Some are private but others are free / donation.
You can also get a home testing option from £27.99 https://pcs.mypsatests.org.uk/Orders/Check Events in your area.
Some are private but others are free / donation.
I've used this charity for screening the last 2yrs and it is excellent. Find somewhere local, pay the booking fee and turn up. In/out the door in 10mins and results in 24hrs. They will now send your results direct to your GP for recording as well if you request. Last month the test cost me £5. Far less hassle than booking a GP appointment and then being senf to hospital for a blood test.
I've had the GP DRE etc so I use the test as a screening device. Any other symptoms and I would go to the GP to check them out as the PSA test alone is not definitive. My PSA results are in the 'green' suggesting screening every 3yrs but I'll choose to use the charity every year.
Mr Pointy said:
Diificulty in peeing, getting up during the night, urgency or even incontinence are a few of the more common ones. Also several heredity & racial factors - if you have a family history of prostate cancer for instance, which might indicate you should be tested even if symptomless.
^^These, plus others I've read of are weak urine flow, not feeling fully empty afterwards, not feeling like you've fully finished urinating, getting up for the toilet numerous tine through the night.I have some of those symptoms but my tests at the Urology Dept revealed I have an enlarged prostate which are causing them, which in time I may have to have treatment for.
It’s already been linked above but £25 and the Graham Fulford option will have you sorted. I had one, results back in two days. They’re taking blood so if you want anything else testing just tick the box and pay the extra. I’d rather take this option as it helps a good cause and I can’t be arsed with stapling my finger and bleeding into a test tube.
No harm at all in pressing your GP for a test, especially as this is encouraged by the NHS. If your GP refuses - complain and see another GP.
Very poor guidance, considering how much prostate issues impacts on males over 50. It seems a bit lazy TBH.
The question is - if you get a 'positive' result then what will you do with it?
Very poor guidance, considering how much prostate issues impacts on males over 50. It seems a bit lazy TBH.
The question is - if you get a 'positive' result then what will you do with it?
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