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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) 3/2014

01-09-2014 | Original Article

The number of tPSA tests continues to rise and variation in testing practices persists: a survey of laboratory services in Ireland 2008–2010

Authors: F. J. Drummond, E. Barrett, R. Burns, C. O’Neill, L. Sharp

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

Background

Ireland had the highest incidence of prostate cancer in Europe in 2008, due to widespread prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.

Aims

To investigate practices and costs of PSA testing in Ireland, 2008–2010.

Methods

Postal laboratory questionnaire. Results were compared with 2006 and 2007 surveys.

Results

Response rate was 95 % (42/44). In 2010, 37 laboratories measured total PSA (tPSA); 10 measured free PSA (fPSA). Eight assays were used and cut-offs to define ‘normal’ tPSA varied widely. There was a 9.9 % annual increase in the number of tPSA tests and a −31 % annual decrease in the number of fPSA, 2006–2010. A 100-fold difference in tPSA workload was observed across laboratories. In 2010, the estimated cost of PSA testing was €3,649,984 (95 % CI €2,532,745–€4,767,222).

Conclusions

Health service costs of PSA testing are significant. The number of tPSA tests continues to rise; fPSA use fell by almost one-third. Inter-laboratory variation in testing practices persists. These have potentially important clinical consequences for men and need to be addressed.
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Metadata
Title
The number of tPSA tests continues to rise and variation in testing practices persists: a survey of laboratory services in Ireland 2008–2010
Authors
F. J. Drummond
E. Barrett
R. Burns
C. O’Neill
L. Sharp
Publication date
01-09-2014
Publisher
Springer London
Published in
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-013-1022-y

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