Working with other groups we returned more than a staggering 28,000 PSA results throughout 2018 and now have a database of greater than 112,000 results since David Baxter Smith started testing in Kidderminster in 2004. Please do look at our statistics section for full details of all events held to date: Link We have, understandably, become victims of our own success and the current system of results recording has resulted in some delay with sending out results in the busiest period of the year – October and November. We are determined to avoid this happening in this coming year but to do this we need to change some of our systems. During 2019 and starting with the event in Warwick in January, we are pleased to introduce these changes. The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) will be processing the initial request forms at the same time as producing the results themselves, thereby enabling a much quicker upload into the database - and a return to the 7/10 day sending of results which we have strived to achieve in recent years. We appreciate that not all our support groups use TDL, but the fact that TDL will be processing the majority of the request forms will free our staff up for inputting results from other testing sources more quickly.As part of this initiative the PSA Request and Consent Forms have been modified and those combined will be sent by TDL with sample taking kits to event organising groups. This again will save valuable charity staff time in terms of posting these forms out.One of the central tenets of the charity is to offer as many men as possible access to a PSA test (after reading the leaflet “A Guide For Men Considering A PSA Test” since currently this remains the most practical route for earlier diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.We see three ways forward:

1. PSA Testing Events

There is an ever increasing list of events (click here to see the current 2019 programme) which work well for those willing and able to arrange these local occasions

2. Workplace Testing Program

We are delighted to see more and more demand for Work Place Testing.  These opportunities are one of a number of effective ways for employers to show their company that staff welfare is important.  These opportunities are specifically for men over the age of 40 years but provide an important message.   We are excited about discussions with several companies to discuss Workplace Testing this coming year, and to arrange PSA testing sessions with them.  If you are interested in discussing this potential, with a local company or one with whom you are connected please contact our website (Link to contact us)

3. Self Select individual testing

We are introducing a new ‘Self Select’ option for any man over 40 who would like to have a PSA test but who may have missed a local event, or who has not been able to attend a full formal session.  Self-Select provides the opportunity for individuals to order a blood sample collection kit online directly from TDL and means that tests can be undertaken at any time. The individual can order a testing pack online, and make a donation towards the cost of a test. The sample collection pack will be sent to the address provided at the time of ordering. The pack will be made up to contain everything needed for either self-collection or venous samples (sample collection by someone else). Depending on what option he indicated when ordering, if he has requested a venous sample there are three ways it can be taken.

1. By asking a healthcare professional known to him to take his sample.
2. By asking his GP and local practice if his sample can be taken by them (some may make a small charge for this service).
3. By attending a drop-in blood taking session with his pack and forms where a suitably qualified person will be available to take the sample.

Once samples are collected, the accompanying Request and Consent forms need to be enclosed with the sample and returned to the laboratory using the self-addressed, post-paid business reply envelope provided with the pack.The results will be sent out in the usual way via post or email depending on option taken.As you can see these new developments will be able to help us increase the availability of the PSA blood test to more men and help support early diagnosis of Prostate Disease.Watch this space for further details in the near future!