Find us at: Phoenix Hospital, Great Baddow, Chelmsford | 
Call us on: 01245 203 838 | 
Email us at: [email protected] Find us at: Phoenix Hospital, Great Baddow, Chelmsford | Call us on: 01245 203 838 | Email us at: [email protected] 
If prostate health has been on your mind, we would be glad to help.
Whether you have developed urinary symptoms, have a family history of prostate cancer, or simply want reassurance about your health, we offer private PSA testing with experienced GP assessment and interpretation with blood tests.
At Chelmsford Private GPs, we believe blood test results should never be viewed in isolation which is why we advise a comprehensive consultation with history and examination before doing the blood test. A PSA result only becomes meaningful when it is interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, medical history, individual risk factors and examination. This is because a normal PSA does not rule out prostate cancer and equally a raised PSA does not mean prostate cancer.
A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in your bloodstream.
The test itself is straightforward and involves taking a blood sample from your arm. Most results are available within 24 -48 hours, although some specialist tests may take longer.
A raised PSA can sometimes be associated with prostate cancer, but it is important to understand that PSA is not a definitive test for prostate cancer.
PSA levels may also be increased by:
Likewise, some men with prostate cancer may have PSA levels within the normal range.
This is why PSA testing requires careful interpretation and a discussion about what the result means for you personally.
Around 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making prostate health an important consideration for many men.
Your appointment includes:
Patients receive a personalised email explaining their results in plain English together with any recommendations or next steps. If further discussion is required, we will arrange a telephone consultation.
If your results suggest further assessment may be beneficial, we can arrange onward referral to an appropriate specialist.
PSA testing may be worth considering if you have symptoms such as:
These symptoms are common and are often caused by benign enlargement of the prostate rather than cancer, but they are still worthwhile discussing with a GP.
Some men may also wish to consider testing even without symptoms.
You may be at increased risk if:
Current UK guidance suggests that men at higher risk may wish to consider discussing PSA testing from around age 45.
For Black men, the lifetime risk of prostate cancer is approximately 1 in 4.
There is no single PSA level that completely separates normal from abnormal.
PSA levels naturally tend to rise with age as the prostate enlarges.
As a general guide, commonly used age-adjusted thresholds are:
| Age | PSA level often used as a guide |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | Less than 3.0 ng/ml |
| 50–59 | Less than 3.5 ng/ml |
| 60–69 | Less than 4.5 ng/ml |
| 70 and over | Less than 6.5 ng/ml |
These values are guides only and should always be interpreted in clinical context.
A mildly raised PSA does not mean that you have prostate cancer.
Similarly, a normal PSA result does not completely exclude it.
Your symptoms, examination findings, family history and any previous PSA measurements are all important when deciding whether further investigation is required.
Appointments can usually be arranged quickly.
If you are a new patient, we recommend a 30-minute consultation to allow adequate time to discuss your symptoms, medical history, family history and any concerns regarding prostate health as well as examination. This will cost £160.
Existing patients can usually be seen in a 15-minute appointment costing £95.
To ensure blood samples reach our London laboratory on the same day, blood tests are performed Monday to Friday before 4:00 pm.
During your appointment, your GP will discuss your symptoms and risk factors, advise whether PSA testing is appropriate and arrange the blood sample.
Most standard PSA results are available within 24 -48 hours.
Your result will be reviewed by one of our experienced GPs and interpreted in the context of:
Patients receive a personalised email explaining the findings and any recommended next steps.
Where results are more complex or further discussion would be helpful, we will arrange a telephone consultation.
Our aim is not simply to provide laboratory numbers but to help you understand what those results mean for your health.
If your PSA result is higher than expected for your age, this does not automatically mean there is a serious problem.
Depending on the result and your circumstances, we may recommend:
The approach is individualised and based on the whole clinical picture rather than a single number.
Many private testing services simply provide laboratory results without clinical interpretation.
PSA testing can sometimes create unnecessary anxiety if results are viewed without appropriate context.
At Chelmsford Private GPs, your results are reviewed by an experienced GP who considers the full clinical picture before advising on any next steps.
Patients receive a personalised written explanation of their results, with telephone follow-up arranged whenever further discussion is needed.
This means that you are not left trying to interpret a laboratory figure on your own.
Yes.
Many men choose to combine PSA testing with a broader health assessment including:
Please ask about our Well Man Health Check if you would like a more comprehensive assessment.
Our private PSA and prostate tests start from just £84 for a PSA test in addition to the cost of your consultation appointment.
You can see our full range of tests on our private blood tests page.
Appointments can usually be arranged quickly.
New patients are advised to book a 30-minute consultation to allow time for a full discussion regarding symptoms, risk factors and the benefits and limitations of PSA testing as well as relevant examination. This would be £160. Existing patients can usually be seen in a 15-minute appointment for £95. The cost of the blood tests would be in addition.
To ensure samples reach our London laboratory on the same day, blood tests are performed Monday to Friday before 4:00 pm.
Appointments take place at Phoenix Hospital, Essex Healthcare Park, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 8HN.
If prostate health has been concerning you, we would be happy to help you decide whether PSA testing is appropriate and guide you through the results in a clear and supportive way.
Book a private PSA test in Chelmsford and have your results explained by an experienced GP.
Yes. NHS GPs can arrange PSA testing after discussing the potential benefits and limitations of testing.
Some men choose private testing because they would prefer quicker access or would like additional discussion regarding their results.
Yes. Many men choose to have PSA testing because of family history, personal preference or concerns regarding prostate cancer risk.
Testing should ideally involve a discussion about both the potential benefits and limitations of PSA screening.
A normal PSA result is reassuring but does not completely exclude prostate cancer.
Results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and risk factors.
In later life, prostate cancer often grows slowly and may never cause symptoms or affect life expectancy. At the same time, investigations and treatment can carry risks and side effects.
The decision to test should therefore be individualised and based on your overall health, symptoms and preferences.
You can contact us on any of the following:
Phoenix Hospital, Great Baddow, Chelmsford
Tel:
01245 203 838
Email:
[email protected]