Discovery Screen with Tumour Markers blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

The Discovery Screen brings together a full blood count, an advanced cholesterol profile with apolipoproteins and lipoprotein (a), insulin and C-peptide, liver and kidney function including FIB-4 and cystatin C, bone chemistry with parathyroid hormone, an extended thyroid profile and a full sex hormone panel. Iron, magnesium, B12, folate, vitamin D and total antioxidant status cover nutrition.

It also includes immunoglobulins, complement, rheumatoid factor, an H. pylori antibody, pancreatic enzymes, creatine kinase and uric acid. Six tumour-associated markers, plus beta HCG, are added. These proteins can be raised for many reasons other than cancer, so they are always read alongside a clinical assessment and are not a cancer screen. A urinalysis completes the panel.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. Given the breadth of this screen, your practitioner will take time to go through each section with you.

Who it is for

• You want a very broad yearly review in one visit.
• You have vague symptoms and would like many systems looked at together.
• You are interested in heart risk markers beyond standard cholesterol.
• You understand that tumour-associated markers can be raised for harmless reasons and want them read with a practitioner.
• You have not had a check-up for some years and want a comprehensive baseline.

Understanding your result

Results are grouped by system with the laboratory reference range beside each value. In a panel this large, a few results outside the range are expected, and your practitioner focuses on what is consistent and clinically relevant.

Tumour-associated markers need particular care. CEA can be higher in smokers, CA 19-9 with gallstones or pancreatitis, and CA 125 during periods or with endometriosis. A raised level is never a diagnosis and a normal level does not rule out cancer. Anything flagged is a prompt for discussion and, where needed, referral to your GP.

Preparing for your test

Fast for 8 to 10 hours with water only and attend in the morning if you can, as glucose, insulin, triglycerides and testosterone are best measured this way. Women with regular cycles often book on day 2 to 5, and we will confirm timing for you. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours, which can raise creatine kinase, and pause biotin for two days where safe. Bring a midstream urine sample.

If you would like a lighter check, Advanced GP3 covers many of the same systems. For our most complete check, Omnia Signature covers more again. See every blood test and price in Chiswick to compare.

Questions

How much is the Discovery Screen with Tumour Markers in Chiswick?

It costs £399, which includes your samples at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can this screen detect cancer?

No. Tumour-associated markers can be raised by infection, inflammation, smoking and benign conditions, and many cancers do not raise them. They are read alongside a clinical assessment only.

Do men and women get the same markers?

Almost. The female version has one more marker than the male version, and the page lists exactly what each one includes.

What should I do if a tumour-associated marker is raised?

Your practitioner will explain the likely reasons, may suggest a repeat test, and will advise you to see your GP for clinical assessment where appropriate.