Welcome to the tests area. This page is designed to provide information on some of the common tests available to my patients. It is not a substitute for a proper consultation or medical advice.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)  |
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A protein secreted by normal prostate cells as well as prostate cancer cells and is measured with a simple blood test. If a normal a prostate biopsy may be needed to exclude Prostate Cancer accounting for the rise. However many prostate cancer patients have low PSA levels and many individuals with raised PSA levels do not have any evidence of prostate cancer! Therefore the terms ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ PSA has to be viewed/used with caution. Steadily rising PSA over time (PSA Velocity) may identify the risk of prostate cancer. Abnormal DRE and /or PSA will need Prostate Biopsy for confirmation of Prostate Cancer suspicion. |
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| uPM3 |
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A new urine based test for prostate cancer based on detection of a specific gene expressed by the prostate cancer cells. For this test patient undergoes a vigorous prostate examination /massage which causes prostate to shed cells into the urine. Particularly useful in patients who had suspicion of prostate cancer and a negative biopsy.
For more information go to Bostwick Laboratories |
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| TRUS Ultrasound Scan |
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Like the prostate examination an ultrasound probe is introduced into the backpassage to visualise prostate and a biopsy needle is advanced into different areas of the prostate to take representative samples for pathologist to examine under the microscope. This is done with local anaesthesia and antibiotic cover. Potential risks after biopsy are blood in urine, blood in the backpassage or blood in semen. Usually not a painful procedure.
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| IntraVenous Urogram (IVU/IVP) |
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A contrast medium, ’dye' is injected into a vein which on excretion through the kidneys shows up the kidneys,ureter (tube draining urine from kidneys)and bladder. Considered gold standard for investigation of blood in urine, kidney obstruction, kidney stones causing ‘renal colic’.
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| Compturised Tomography (CT) |
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This a imaging technique for detailed anatomical and pathological information, specifically used in the staging of cancers.
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| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
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As with the CT, this is an imaging technique used for anatomical and pathological information, specifically using in staging of cancers.
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| I-PSS Symptom Score (International Prostate Symptom Score) |
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| This is a questionnaire for patients to fill in to quantify the degree of blockage / irritation and to to commend on the quality of life affected by the symptoms. Click here to download the I-PSS in Microsoft Word format |
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| Frequency/Volume Chart |
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| This is a chart to fill in before consultation / urodynamic study or simply before a clinical appointment. Write down the times you have been to pass urine as well as the volumes of urine passed. Click here to download the Frequency/Volume Chart in Microsoft Word format |
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| Flowmetry |
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Come prepared with a full bladder or you may have to ask a nurse to give you fluids to keep your bladder reasonably full. Also required for any significant residue after passing urine. Please check with Nurse in the OPD. <top> |
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| Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) |
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After listening to your concerns about your prostate it is examined through the backpassage using a gloved and lubricated finger for any abnormality in the prostate ( and the back passage). <top> |
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UroVision |
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| A new genetic test test for the diagnosis and non-invasive monitoring of a previously diagnosed Bladder cancer. If the test is positive a cystoscopy / bladder biopsy might be needed. <top> |
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| Cystoscopy |
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Inspection of bladder and urethra using either a rigid or flexible narrow calibre telescope. Done under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia as a day case. <top> |
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| Ureteroscopy |
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Inspection of the ureter tube with a fine telescope under general anaesthesia for stones lodged in ureter or obstruction from other causes as well as ascertain nature of bleeding from a kidney, usually done as a day case. <top> |
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| Retrograde Study |
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When the kidney X-rays (IVU) fail to reveal details of the ureter and main collecting system a retrograde study, visualisation of the entire ureter with dye injected through a narrow ureteric catheter the tip of which remains in the ureter. <top> |
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