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Redcliffe Labs has expanded its services with the addition of Prostate Health Index (PHI) test processing at its National Reference Laboratory located in Noida. The blood test may be included in the standard urologic armamentarium for biopsy decisions, risk stratification, and treatment selection for suspected prostate cancer. This pioneering advancement in diagnostic capabilities is set to revolutionise prostate cancer screening and diagnosis, benefiting patients across India.
The incidence of prostate cancer has increased steadily in India over the years. According to data from the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), it is among the top 10 cancers in urban cancer registries of Bengaluru, Delhi, Bhopal, and Mumbai. Recognising the growing concern surrounding prostate cancer, Redcliffe Labs is introducing PHI testing as part of a multifaceted approach to screening.
The PHI test is a simple and cost-effective blood test that plays a crucial role in identifying patients who genuinely require a prostate biopsy, ultimately reducing the occurrence of negative biopsies. It combines serum total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA (fPSA), and p2PSA ([-2]proPSA) concentrations through a mathematical formula that enhances clinical sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer risk assessment. This test will benefit men aged 50 and above with non-suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) results and a total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) range of 4 to 10 ng/mL.
