Table 1

Reported use of tests by general practitioners (N = 400)

Vignette

Mild lower urinary tract symptoms (55 years)

Mild lower urinary tract symptoms (70 years)

Family history, asymptomatic, requests test (55 yrs)

Asymptomatic, requests test (55 yrs)

Asymptomatic, requests test (70 yrs)

% (95% CI) n

% (95% CI) n

% (95% CI) n

% (95% CI) n

% (95% CI) n

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

60% (55,64) 239

78% (73,82) 311

91% (87,93) 363

60% (55,65) 239

71% (66,75) 282

Digital rectal examination (DRE)

69% (64,73) 274

78% (73,81) 310

67% (62,72) 268

37% (32,42) 147

47% (42,52) 189

Trans-rectal ultrasound

2% (1,4) 9

7% (4,10) 27

10% (7,13) 41

1% (0,2) 2

2% (0,4) 7

No tests

6% (4,9) 25

3% (2,5) 13

3% (1,5) 11

22% (18,26) 88

14% (11,18) 58

Other*

47% (42,52) 188

41% (36,46) 165

14% (11,18) 56

17% (14,21) 69

13% (10,16) 51

*Other mainly includes mid-stream urine, other urinary checks and discussion / counselling.

Brett et al. BMC Family Practice 2005 6:24   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-6-24