Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan with PSA Blood Test

Prostate Specific Antigen

PSA is a protein which is in your blood and can be produced by normal and cancerous cells within the prostate. To have a small amount of PSA in your blood is normal and this will raise slightly as you get older as the prostate enlarges. A raised PSA level may indicate that you have a problem with your prostate but this does not always mean that you have prostate cancer.

The PSA blood test measures the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen which is in your blood.

The PSA test can find aggressive prostate cancer which would require treatment. It can also find slower growing cancer which may not result in any symptoms at all but which may be cancer.  A sample of your blood is measured in nanograms (billionth of a gram) per millilitre of blood (ml).

A PSA test can help to identify prostate cancer before you have any symptoms. It can help to identify fast growing cancer within its early stages.  According to Prostate Cancer UK, having this test undertaken regularly could be helpful, particularly if you are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer.

1 in 7 of those with a normal PSI test can still have prostate cancer (false negative result).  These tests can also suggest prostate cancer when none is present which is why we always recommend discussing with your GP and undergoing further testing in the form of an MRI scan or biopsy. A PSA test alone cannot usually tell if you have prostate cancer, however it is the first step to decide if you require further tests.

The Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan with PSA Blood Test is available to people over 45 years of age whose biological sex (assigned at birth) is male.

If you are over 50 years of age, black, or you have a family history of prostate cancer your risk of developing prostate cancer could be increased.  We always recommend discussing any concerns with your GP.

The following conditions can cause elevated PSA levels:

• enlarged prostate
• prostatitis
• prostate cancer
• urine infection (we recommend waiting 6 weeks after an infection has cleared before having a PSA Blood Test)
• vigorous exercise (we recommend avoiding this for 48 hours prior to your blood test)
• ejaculation (we recommend avoiding this for 48 hours prior to your blood test)
• anal sex and prostate stimulation (we recommend avoiding this for 7 days prior to your blood test)
• having a prostate biopsy (we recommend waiting 6 weeks after a biopsy before your blood test)
• some over the counter medicines (we recommend checking with your GP or pharmacist to ensure your medications do not affect this test)
• urinary catheters
• other tests or surgery on your bladder or prostate (we recommend waiting a minimum of 6 weeks after other tests or surgeries before having a PSA Blood Test)

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Straining with urinating
• Taking a long time to urinate
• A weak flow when urinating
• Feeling like you are not emptying your bladder fully
• Sudden urges to urinate
• Dribbling following urinating
• Pain when urinating
• Pain when ejaculating

All of the above can also be caused by other underlying problems and not necessarily a prostate issue. It is always advised to discuss these with your GP in the first instance.

You will receive your blood test results after 2-4 working days.

On rare occasions we are unable to complete the primary purpose of a scan. For pregnancy scans, this may be due to your baby being in a difficult position, or something else such as overlying bowel gas which can obscure the ultrasound image. If this happens, we’ll book you a free of charge rescan so we can try again! The primary purpose is outlined on each scan webpage.

Absolutely! Every scan at Ultrasound Direct is performed by a fully qualified sonographer whose primary interest is your health. All our sonographers are fully trained and appropriately qualified to perform ultrasound scans. Many of our team also work in the NHS locally.

All our sonographers are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and/or the Register of Clinical Technologists and follow the latest safety guidelines.

We are also registered with the Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator, to make sure you always receive the highest possible standards of care. 

All our sonographers who take blood for blood tests are phlebotomy trained.

No, you can book your ultrasound directly without any sort of referral. If you have any concerns about your health, it can be useful to have scan results ready to discuss with your GP to reduce any waiting times. An ultrasound scan appointment with us can typically be booked quickly and allows enough time to ask questions too.

We will give you same day results in a clear written report with supporting images.  Your scan report will advise you if any further steps are necessary. And if we recommend a medical follow-up with your healthcare provider, we can securely email them a copy of your report at no extra cost.

Your GP can refer you to Ultrasound Direct for a scan via our booking system

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of inside of the body. The sound waves reflect off different areas in the body and are converted into a moving picture to show what’s happening in real-time. We can record this as a video clip (available for free with our 4D Bonding and Premium 4D scans) and take still images from it.

An ultrasound scan can be external, which is when a probe is placed on the skin of the body part. Scans can also be internal, when a probe is inserted into the body. Both types of scan produce the same type of image and mini clip.

Visit our FAQs page for any further questions you may have.