WHY IS PROSTATE HEALTH IMPORTANT?
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate gland, which is naturally secreted into the bloodstream.
A raised PSA level can be to conditions such as enlargement of the prostate gland, prostatitis or urinary infection. It can also be used as an early indicator of prostate cancer.
The PSA antigen test is the most valuable tool available for the early diagnoses of prostate cancer. However, many men with a raised PSA may not have prostate cancer.
WHAT IS THE SELFCHECK PROSTATE HEALTH TEST?
This test detects abnormal levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood and is designed to detect levels of PSA above the expected normal range, producing a visual result in minutes.
WHO IS THE TEST FOR AND HOW OFTEN PSA LEVELS BE CHECKED?
It is recommended for men aged 50 years and over and those with a family history of prostate disorders.
Men aged 50+ should perform this test regularly (as a minimum once a year). Those with a family history of prostate disorders should consider testing earlier and more regularly. Healthy individuals may also benefit from annual checks.
However, The SELFCheck PSA test is not intended to be used for monitoring a known health issue with your prostate. If you have been informed by your doctor that you have higher than normal levels of PSA then this will be further investigated and followed up by your doctor with regular blood tests to monitor your PSA level.
A self test PSA kit such as SELFCheck is a screening test, and will tell you if your PSA levels are higher than the normal range. If you find your levels are higher than normal you should arrange to see your doctor to discuss your results.
HOW DO I PERFORM THIS TEST?
Please read instructions enclosed within the product on how to perform the test and get results. Results are normally available within 10 minutes of performing the test.
IS IT EASY TO READ THE RESULT?
It is very simple to read the result:
- TWO lines in the result window is a positive
- ONE line is a negative
WHAT IS THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION FOLLOWING A POSITIVE RESULT?
Please make an appointment to see your GP and let them know you had a positive result with a PSA test kit. No medical decisions should be made without consulting a doctor.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TEST KIT?
- One sealed foil pouch containing one test device,
- One Plastic pipette and one desiccant pack,
- One dropper bottle containing 1ml of diluent,
- Two sterile lancets,
- One alcohol pad,
- Instruction Leaflet.
