Mr Omer Karim, MB BS, MS, FRCS (Urol)
Consultant Urological surgeon, The Princess Grace Hospital,
Heatherwood and Wrexham Park Hospital and St Mary's Hospital, Paddington
Diagnosing prostate cancer remains a clinical challenge. A digital rectal examination is around 40% sensitive to identifying issues. PSA testing is around 60% sensitive.
But PSA testing itself requires more than one consultation and the time delay between the test and outcome of laboratory work leaves patients in a state of anxiety between appointments.
A new development in PSA testing - PSA Watch - works in the same way as blood glucose testing.
A specially developed strip from Mediwatch Biomedical Ltd provides in-clinic results of PSA levels for a patient within 10 minutes and without the need for laboratory testing.
By placing a small amount of blood on the strip, a PSA read out is available, shown against a 'norm' and accurate for readings as low as 0.25. A second antibody read out on the same strip is in development.
Unlike many new developments, there is a cost advantage too. Each strip costs £5 compared to an average laboratory cost of £12.
The key patient benefit of PSA Watch is the immediate PSA level result and the ability to provide advice for any appropriate action on the spot, reducing anxiety of waiting for test outcomes.
The key clinical efficiency benefit is removing the need for a re-visit to determine and advise the patient whether PSA levels indicate active monitoring, further diagnosis or specific treatment. It can all be accomplished at a single consultation.
Recent developments in PSA testing
