MiCheck^® Prostate

About the test

MiCheck^® Prostate is a non-invasive blood test specifically designed to assess the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. It uses a scientifically validated algorithm to provide a more accurate assessment of aggressive prostate cancer risk compared to traditional methods.

Purpose of the test

The purpose of the MiCheck^® Prostate test is to identify the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer, helping to determine if a prostate biopsy is necessary. This test aims to reduce unnecessary biopsies and their associated risks by providing additional insights beyond standard PSA testing.

What does it measure?

MiCheck^® Prostate measures the levels of three specific biomarkers in your blood: total PSA, free PSA, and Human Epididymal Protein 4 (HE4). A scientifically validated algorithm uses these measurements, along with clinical information, to calculate a score that indicates the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer.

Is it accurate?

MiCheck^® Prostate was designed to detect 95% of aggressive prostate cancers¹.

Advantages over traditional tests

MiCheck® Prostate is designed to detect aggressive prostate cancers that need prostate biopsy and treatment. It is highly sensitive, which means it is very likely to pick up aggressive prostate cancers².

In contrast, the PSA test detects the level of one protein made by the prostate gland in a blood sample. Aside from aggressive cancer, several things can cause your PSA level to rise, including your age, benign (non-cancerous) prostate conditions, recent ejaculation, and cancers that are slow growing, unlikely to spread, and do not require treatment.

PSA testing has a high rate of false positive results³. A false positive result means your PSA level is elevated, but you don’t actually have cancer.

MiCheck^® Prostate is often used along with PSA testing to provide a more accurate assessment of aggressive prostate cancer risk, particularly in cases where PSA levels are elevated but do not conclusively indicate that cancer is present.

The MiCheck^® Prostate test is also simple and non-invasive. Unlike a biopsy, which is invasive and carries risks, the MiCheck^® Prostate test is a simple blood test, making it a safer and more convenient option.

When should I get it?

You should consider taking the MiCheck® Prostate test if your physician is thinking about doing a prostate biopsy.

A prostate biopsy is needed to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis. However, it is not always necessary, especially if the cancer is slow-growing, unlikely to spread, and unlikely to need treatment. Prostate biopsies also carry risks. It’s therefore important to weigh up the potential pros and cons before going ahead.

The MiCheck^® Prostate test is designed to provide additional information to help guide that decision. It is not meant to substitute information about other clinical factors or test results. Rather, together with that information, it supports you and your urologist to make a choice that’s right for you.

By better identifying those at risk of aggressive prostate cancer, MiCheck^® Prostate can help people avoid unnecessary biopsies and the potential complications associated with them.

MiCheck^® Prostate is particularly useful for people with elevated PSA levels or those with a family history of prostate cancer, offering a more targeted approach to prostate cancer diagnosis.

Is the MiCheck^® Prostate test approved?

The MiCheck^® Prostate test is offered as a Lab Developed Test under the CLIA provisions. This means it is designed, made, and used within a single laboratory that meets the CLIA regulatory requirements to conduct highly complex testing.

Finding a MiCheck^® Prostate Provider

How can I request MiCheck^® Prostate?

Your urologist can order MiCheck^® Prostate using a test request form. They will provide you with instructions on how to submit your blood sample for testing. At this time, the test cannot be ordered by a primary care physician.

How much does the test cost?

There is no out-of-pocket cost for MiCheck^® Prostate.

Taking MiCheck^® Prostate

The MiCheck^® Prostate test is a simple blood test, making it a non-invasive and convenient alternative to traditional diagnostic methods like biopsies. The procedure carries the same minimal risks as any standard blood draw.