Screen for prostate issues with a professional PSA venous blood test at home. No GP referral needed, DBS-checked phlebotomists, results in one to three working days.
Find a Phlebotomist →PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is the primary blood marker used to screen for prostate conditions. Your doctor may also request additional markers alongside PSA.
| Marker | What It Shows | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total PSA | Overall prostate-specific antigen level | Below 3.0 ng/mL (under 70) |
| Free PSA | Unbound PSA — helps distinguish BPH from cancer | Above 25% of total PSA |
| PSA Density | PSA relative to prostate volume (via ultrasound) | Below 0.15 ng/mL/cm3 |
Prostate cancer risk increases significantly with age. Men over 50 are entitled to request a PSA test from their GP, and home testing offers a convenient alternative.
Having a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer doubles your risk. Men with a family history may wish to start screening from age 45.
Men of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage have a one in four lifetime risk of prostate cancer, roughly double the average. Earlier and regular screening is recommended.
Difficulty urinating, frequent urination at night, weak flow, or blood in urine can indicate prostate issues. A PSA test is often the first investigation.
Enter your postcode, choose a time slot, and select the PSA prostate blood test. No GP referral required.
A DBS-checked mobile phlebotomist arrives at your home with all sterile equipment. The venous blood draw takes under 10 minutes.
Your sample is dispatched to an accredited laboratory the same day. Results are typically available within one to three working days and sent to your chosen clinician.
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the test, as this can temporarily elevate PSA.
Avoid vigorous exercise, especially cycling, for 48 hours beforehand.
Do not have the test within one month of a urinary tract infection.
No fasting is required — eat and drink normally.
Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
Wear a short-sleeved top or a sleeve that rolls up easily.
PSA levels naturally increase with age. These are general reference ranges — your doctor will interpret your result in context.
| Age Group | Expected PSA Range | Action Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 49 | 0 - 2.5 ng/mL | Above 2.5 ng/mL |
| 50 - 59 | 0 - 3.5 ng/mL | Above 3.5 ng/mL |
| 60 - 69 | 0 - 4.5 ng/mL | Above 4.5 ng/mL |
| 70 - 79 | 0 - 6.5 ng/mL | Above 6.5 ng/mL |
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of this protein in your blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis. A single PSA result is not diagnostic on its own and should always be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
You should avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the test, as this can temporarily raise PSA levels. Avoid vigorous exercise, especially cycling, for 48 hours beforehand. Do not have the test if you have had a urinary tract infection in the past month or a prostate biopsy in the past six weeks. Fasting is not required. Your phlebotomist will confirm preparation requirements when you book.
PSA levels vary by age. As a general guide, a PSA below 3.0 ng/mL is considered normal for men under 70, and below 5.0 ng/mL for men aged 70 to 79. However, there is no single cut-off that definitively rules cancer in or out. Your GP will interpret your result in the context of your age, symptoms, family history, and any previous PSA readings.
There is no routine NHS screening programme for prostate cancer, but men over 50 can request a PSA test from their GP. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are of Black African or Black Caribbean descent, you may wish to start testing from age 45. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate testing interval based on your risk profile and previous results.
Yes. Many conditions raise PSA levels, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), urinary tract infections, recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise, and certain medications. Around three in four men with a raised PSA do not have prostate cancer. Further investigation, such as an MRI or biopsy, is needed to determine the cause.
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Find a Phlebotomist →Related reading: All Home Blood Tests