Determination of Prostate-specific Antigen in Capillary Blood (PSA-Cap)
This study, called PSA-Cap, is looking into a simpler way to test for prostate cancer using a finger-prick blood test. Currently, a PSA test involves taking blood from your arm. Researchers want to see if the amount of PSA, a protein linked to prostate cancer, found in a tiny drop of blood from your fingertip is the same as the amount found in a larger sample from your arm. They are also checking how stable these blood samples are over time, even after being stored. The aim is to make PSA testing more convenient and comfortable in the future, if finger-prick tests prove to be just as accurate for detecting prostate conditions.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is particularly important because it could change how men get tested for prostate conditions in the future. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and high levels can sometimes suggest there's a problem with the prostate, including prostate cancer. Currently, the blood for this test is usually taken from a vein in your arm, which some people find uncomfortable or inconvenient.
The main goal of the PSA-Cap study is to see if a finger-prick blood test can give the same reliable PSA results as the traditional arm blood test. Imagine being able to do a simple finger-prick test, similar to how people check their blood sugar, to get this important information. If the results from the finger-prick test match those from the arm, it could make future PSA testing much easier and more accessible, potentially even allowing for at-home collection using a kit.
The researchers are also checking how stable the blood samples are. This means they are looking at whether the PSA levels in the blood change if the samples are stored for a while (like during transport to a lab) before being tested. This is important to make sure that results remain accurate even if there's a delay. By doing this research, they hope to find a way to make PSA testing simpler and more effective for detecting prostate cancer early.
Key takeaways
- This study compares a finger-prick blood test to the usual arm blood test for PSA.
- It aims to make prostate cancer testing potentially simpler and more convenient.
- You would have a small finger-prick alongside your routine arm blood test.
- Your medical care is not affected by taking part.
- Participation helps future testing methods, but has no direct personal benefit.
- All samples are anonymised for research comparisons.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men aged between 45 and 70 years old. To take part, you must be a man within this age range.
You also need to be having a PSA test as part of prostate cancer screening and be happy to give your permission for the results of that test and any extra samples to be used for this study. This means you understand what the PSA test is for and agree to have it done.
Men who are unable to understand the study information or give their permission to take part will not be able to join. The study focuses only on men who are able to understand and agree to the procedures involved.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am a man.
- I am between 45 and 70 years old.
- I am currently having a PSA test as part of prostate cancer screening.
- I understand the study and can give my permission to take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a finger-prick blood sample taken at the same time as your usual PSA blood test from your arm. This means you won't need to make any extra visits beyond your routine appointment.
During your appointment, a healthcare professional will collect about six small drops of blood from your fingertip, in addition to the blood taken from your arm for your normal PSA test. No new medications or treatments are involved, as this study is only about comparing different ways of collecting blood for a PSA test.
There's no specific follow-up required from you for this study once the samples are collected. The researchers will then compare the results from the finger-prick blood with the arm blood, and also test how stable the samples are over time in the lab. Your involvement would be a one-off during your existing blood test appointment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Klinik für Urologie, Universitätsklinikum DüsseldorfVerified postcodeDüsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a PSA test?
A PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. High levels can sometimes indicate prostate problems, including prostate cancer.
Will taking part change my medical treatment?
No, taking part in this study will not change your regular medical care or treatment. Your doctor will still use your usual arm blood test results for any decisions about your health.
How long will my involvement last?
Your direct involvement is very brief, only for the time it takes to collect the finger-prick blood sample during your routine blood test appointment. There are no follow-up visits specifically for the study.
Is the study looking for new treatments?
No, this study is not looking for new treatments. It's investigating new ways to collect blood for an existing test (PSA) to see if it can be made easier and more convenient.
Will my results be shared with me?
The study uses anonymized samples, meaning your personal identifying information won't be linked to the research results. The study aims to look at general comparisons rather than individual results for this research part.
How to find out more
Martin Wallisch
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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