PSA Rapid Test

Description

Prostate-specific antigen is a protein made by the prostate. The prostate is wrapped around the urethra, the tube that leads from the bladder outside the body, through the penis.

PSA levels can be measured through a blood test. When the PSA levels are high, it could be a symptom of prostate cancer. Taking a PSA test can be measured through a blood test. When the PSA levels are high, it can help the doctor evaluate the risk of cancer. Measuring PSA levels is not the only determining factor for risk of cancer; other factors that can cause high PSA levels are;

• Infection
• Prostatitis / Inflammation
• Recent medical procedure, such as a colonoscopy
• Medication

People who are at higher risk of prostate cancer are;

• People with a history of cancer in the family.
• Genetic mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
• African people

Men should get screened for prostate cancer at least once a year. If your first PSA test result is an elevated result, your doctor will likely test again in a month, depending on your circumstances.

A PSA level above 4ng/mL is considered abnormal.

A high PSA level does not automatically mean that you have prostate cancer, and PSA levels do increase with age. Should your PSA test come out positive, you should reach out to your doctor for further investigation.

Symptoms

• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination
• Difficult to urinate
• Pelvic pain
• Weak stream

The test kit includes everything you need to complete the test:

• Test cassette
• Alcohol preparation pad
• Lancet
• Pipette
• Buffer

How to use

Follow these simple steps to complete the test:

• Clean the finger with an alcohol swab.
• Bring the safety lancet, and then twist the knob.
• Pull out the knob.
• Place the activated safety lancet firmly on the finger. Push the trigger to prick the finger.
• Draw up blood into the plastic.
• Add two drops of blood to the ‘S’ well.
• Add one drop of sample diluent to the ‘S’ well.
• Wait 15 minutes to interpret the results.

Read Results

NEGATIVE:

If only the control line ( C ) and the reference line ( R ) develop, the test indicates PSA is not present or its level is less than the 4ng/mL cut-off value.

POSITIVE:

If the control line ( C ) and the reference line ( R ) and the test  ( T ) lines all develop and the ( T ) intensity is weaker than the reference line ( R ), the test indicates a PSA level between 4-10ng/mL.

If the control line ( C ) and the reference line ( R ) and the test  ( T ) lines all develop and the ( T ) intensity is equal or close to the reference line ( R ), the test indicates a PSA level at approximately 10ng/mL.

If the control line ( C ) and the reference line ( R ) and the test  ( T ) lines all develop and the ( T ) intensity is stronger than the reference line ( R ), the test indicates a PSA higher than 10ng/mL.

INVALID:

If the control line ( C ) or reference line ( R ) fail/s to appear, the assay is invalid regardless of colour development on the test line ( T ).