The prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Its function is to fluidify the ejaculate and therefore increase sperm mobility. PSA also plays a role in dissolving cervical mucus, allowing sperm to enter the uterus. Small quantities of PSA are normally found in the blood of men with a healthy prostate. Prostate abnormalities (such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer) lead to an increase in the level of PSA in the blood. PSA levels also increase naturally with age, after prostate surgery or after specific diagnostic tests (rectal examination, prostate biopsy, prostate ultrasound scan, etc.).

The PSA test is the most valuable tool available for the diagnosis of early prostate cancer. Many studies have confirmed that the presence of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the most useful and meaningful tumour marker known for prostate cancer and prostate infection of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

48,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK each year. It is the most common cancer for men in the UK.

A rapid test for the qualitative detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in whole blood, serum or plasma, to aid in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.