Prostate (PSA) Screening Panel

A prostate screening blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA), with free PSA where indicated, used in the assessment of prostate health in men. Available as a walk-in self-pay test at MZ-Biochem.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland; raised blood levels can reflect benign enlargement, inflammation or, in some cases, prostate cancer. Measuring total PSA, and the ratio of free to total PSA where total is borderline, is a non-invasive way to assess prostate health and decide whether further specialist evaluation is warranted. This self-pay panel is aimed at men who want to check PSA — for example those over 50, or younger men with a family history of prostate cancer — without first obtaining a referral. MZ-Biochem runs the test on its accredited tumour-marker platform. PSA results need careful interpretation by a physician, as several non-cancerous conditions raise PSA and a single value is rarely conclusive; the test is a screening and monitoring tool, not a standalone diagnosis. Recent cycling, ejaculation or prostate examination can temporarily raise PSA and should be avoided before testing.