A PSA blood test can be part of checking prostate health, but it is not a simple pass/fail. We offer doctor-led PSA testing with proper counselling beforehand and clear explanation afterwards — so you understand what the result does and does not mean, and what any next steps would be.
Educational information — not a substitute for clinical assessment
This page explains PSA testing in general terms. PSA is one piece of information, not a definitive prostate cancer test. Whether testing is right for you, and how to interpret a result, depends on your age, symptoms, family history and examination — discussed at your consultation.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein made by the prostate gland and measured with a simple blood test. Levels can rise with prostate cancer — but also with benign prostate enlargement, infection or inflammation, recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise, or even a recent examination. That is why the number always needs interpreting in context.
A “normal” PSA does not completely rule out prostate cancer, and a “raised” PSA often has a harmless explanation. Testing can lead to further investigations that carry their own downsides. Because of this, the decision to test is a personal one best made after a conversation about the pros and cons — which is exactly what we provide.
We counsel you before testing so you understand what a result could mean and what it might lead to. You decide, with the facts, whether the test is right for you now.
We interpret PSA alongside your age, symptoms and examination — not as an isolated number. If the result or examination raises any concern, we explain the options clearly, which may include a repeat test, further assessment, or onward referral to urology. Our specialist urology service is available if further input is needed.
Book if you want to discuss prostate screening, have urinary symptoms, or have a family history that makes you want to check. Seek urgent advice for blood in the urine, inability to pass urine, or severe pain.
The fee covers the consultation, counselling and results review; the PSA blood test is priced on our Fees page.
Yes — ideally avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise (such as cycling) for 48 hours beforehand, as these can temporarily raise PSA. We will advise when booking.
No test is perfect. A normal PSA is reassuring but does not completely exclude it, which is why we assess the whole picture.
Sometimes a digital rectal examination adds useful information. We will discuss it with you and only proceed with your agreement.
We explain it in context. Depending on the picture, options may include a repeat test, further assessment, or referral to our specialist urology service.
Yes — see our Men’s Health service, with specialist urology input available.
Care at Tower Bridge Hospital London is delivered by a small clinical team, with Dr Haydar Bolat as Clinical Director. The specific clinicians involved in your care depend on the plan agreed with you at consultation.
UK-registered GP and Clinical Director at MHW. Counsels men on the benefits and limitations of PSA testing, arranges the test, and interprets results in context with onward urology referral where needed.
View profileLanguages spoken across the team: English, Turkish, Bulgarian, Bengali, Hindi, Albanian, Azerbaijani, German, Romanian. We can also arrange professional telephone interpreters in most other languages at no extra cost. More on languages and interpreters →
This page was reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director at Tower Bridge Hospital London. Content reflects UK guidance on PSA testing and informed choice (such as the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme principles) and current UK clinical practice. It is updated when guidance changes. Educational information only — not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Book a consultation. We will help you decide whether a PSA test is right for you and explain any result clearly.