What is the Man Van? – The adapted vehicle has two primary functions, our vision is to act as a mobile testing unit, effectively taking the test to the man, with blood tests undertaken by qualified phlebotomists. The vehicle is secure, and completely private, with all data and samples protected, and designed to operate for charity testing. We are working with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and our partner MEDEFER to achieve this goal.

The second purpose is to raise awareness, the very presence of the van alerts people to our ‘Get Tested’ message, and there is plenty of information on hand to answer just about any question related to prostate cancer.

Who Does the Testing, and What Happens with the Results? – The PSA tests are either administered by a qualified and CQC registered Phlebotomist or self administered via a home finger-prick PSA test. Once the Home test is completed, the contents are sent by the individual in the pre-paid box to labs for the bloods to be analysed.  Unlike cheaper lateral flow tests, the result is given as a detailed numerical PSA rather than a ‘false’ or ‘positive’,

Is this an NHS Service? – While the Man Van is considered as an extension of The Stokes Centre for Urology at Royal Surrey Hospital, it will be supported by other health partners, both professional and charitable. The Prostate Project raised nearly £3 million to help build the centre, which is seen as one of the finest facilities of its type in the UK. The vehicle itself can operate both as an NHS service, and as a charity service.

How Many Tests Can be Done Each Day? – We anticipate the van can perform up to 50 PSA tests in a day. Where more tests are required, additional testing takes place at the workplace, clubhouse, or host facility where suitable rooms need to be provided.

How Much Does the PSA Test Cost? – Home Testing Kits are £30 for personal use. Additional donations to cover our costs are welcome. Please contact us to discuss costs for Golf Clubs, Community and other events (info@prostate-project.org.uk/07870 166 430)

Do We Have to Pay to Get the Man Van to Visit our Venue? – We have been asked to attend a growing number of events, workplaces, societies and social organisations, and while for some events a visit from the Man Van will be free of charge, we do have to ask for a contribution towards costs of travel, collecting & processing the bloods, contacting you with the results and administrative costs. A typical Corporate event for up to 50 men would cost £3,500

One of our commitments is to visit areas and communities that are either not served by a local facility, or contain a high % of ‘at risk’ men, typically black men who are twice as likely to suffer from prostate cancer, and those in lower socioeconomic communities who are less aware of the risks and tend to be diagnosed later, often too late.

When and Where can we Visit the Man Van? – The ManVan is entirely staffed by volunteers, so we are currently only able to cover the catchment area of the Royal Surrey Hospital Trust of Surrey, Mole Valley, Frimley, Ashford, and Chichester.  This is subject to having sufficient volunteer support and events may have to be postponed or cancelled if any of our volunteers fall ill.  A calendar of events can be found here on our website. This diary is being constantly updated as more requests arrive.

What is a PSA Blood Test? – This simple blood test checks levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).  PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancer cells in the prostate gland.  A small amount of PSA in the blood is normal, but elevated levels can indicate a problem with the prostate, including prostate cancer. However, it’s important to note that high PSA levels can also be caused by other factors, such as an enlarged prostate, infection, or exercise.

The Phlebotomist will draw blood from an arm in the usual way.  For the Home Testing Kits, there is a simple finger prick PSA test which involves using a lancet (a small needle) to prick your fingertip and collect a few drops of blood.

How does a finger prick PSA blood test work? – The easy-to-use finger prick PSA test involves using a lancet (a small needle) to prick your fingertip and collect a few drops of blood.  This is just as accurate as the venous method, is far quicker and less invasive than taking a blood sample.  The blood sample will be sent to a lab where they will analyse the PSA levels in your blood.

This two minutes video from the Doctors Laboratory that process the bloods, explains in full detail how the test works: watch video

How and when do I get my results? – You will be notified of your results within 24-48 hours. Clinical specialists will review the PSA result, and if your PSA is elevated or if there’s any concern, a team of Clinical Nurse Specialists will talk you through what to do next. They might recommend a repeat test, further evaluation, or referral to a partner specialist. Elevated levels could signal prostate cancer, or non-cancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate, or infection.

You’re never left alone with an abnormal result, and if you need formal follow-up with the NHS, you already have a laboratory-standard result to show.

What Type of Places will you be Visiting? – At this stage we are responding to requests from golf clubs, Masonic groups, workplaces including construction sites and offices, sporting events and car shows, industrial and retail estates, business parks and football clubs.

We can visit any venue in our catchment area where there is sufficient space and demand, and we respond to every request that we receive.