Prostate Health Profile

The Prostate Health Profile is a focused blood test for men who want a clearer picture of prostate health, whether you are experiencing urinary symptoms, have a family history of prostate disease, or simply wish to establish a baseline. It measures the key prostate markers and, crucially, calculates the ratio between them, which can help distinguish between benign prostate enlargement and more serious prostate conditions.

The test uses an immunoassay technique to measure the following markers:

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Markers
- Total Prostate Specific Antigen (tPSA): measures the overall level of PSA in the blood, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels can indicate prostate enlargement, inflammation, or prostate cancer.
- Free Prostate Specific Antigen (fPSA): measures the portion of PSA that circulates unbound in the blood. This is used alongside total PSA to improve diagnostic accuracy.
- PSA Ratio (calculated): the ratio of free PSA to total PSA. A lower ratio can be associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer, while a higher ratio is more common in benign prostate conditions.

This profile is suitable for men over 40, those with urinary symptoms such as frequent urination or weak flow, and anyone with a family history of prostate cancer. It provides a more nuanced assessment than total PSA alone, helping you and your doctor make informed decisions about further investigation or monitoring.

Why it matters
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and can help identify changes that may need further investigation by your doctor; not a screening test for cancer. The PSA ratio adds valuable context to total PSA results, reducing unnecessary biopsies and helping to identify clinically significant disease. Regular monitoring can also track changes over time, giving you and your clinician a clearer understanding of your prostate health.