Skip to main content
Find a Location Book a Lab Visit Book a Home Visit Check in Online See my Results Shop our Services
Page Banner
Personalized Risk Assessment of Prostate Cancer

SelectMDx Testing

Learning you have elevated PSA can be alarming news, but elevated PSA does not mean you have clinically significant disease and require a biopsy or treatment. SelectMDx is a novel decision support tool and provides your urologist with additional important information on the likelihood of finding aggressive cancer upon biopsy.

How is the test performed?

Urine sample (first void urine, post-prostatic massage)

This is a private pay test. Please check your insurance plan for coverage.

Email me a patient package


FAQs

What is PSA and how is it connected to prostate cancer?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced within the prostate gland. PSA is mostly found in semen, but small amounts can also be found in the blood of healthy men. PSA levels naturally increase as men age because the prostate naturally enlarges over time. . There are many reasons why PSA levels fluctuate, and higher levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions (inflammation).

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men. Typically slow growing, prostate cancer can be present for many years before causing symptoms. Receiving news that you have an elevated PSA may be alarming, but it does not necessarily mean you require a biopsy or aggressive treatment. SelectMDx can help your physician determine whether you would benefit from a biopsy or simply require ongoing screening (active surveillance).

What is SelectMDx?

SelectMDx is a urine test that measures two cancer-related genetic biomarkers, HOXC6 and DLX1. Combined with other clinical factors like total PSA and age, the test produces a likelihood score of discovering clinically significant disease (defined as Gleason Score equal to or more than 7 [3+4 and 4+3]). This provides your urologist with another important piece of information to consider when recommending whether a biopsy is required and potentially avoid unnecessary procedures. The test has a very high negative predictive value, meaning that a low likelihood result is correct in the vast majority of men (Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 98% for clinically significant cancer).

Who should get tested?

SelectMDx is recommended if a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test result has revealed PSA levels increased to between 4 – 10 ng/ml and/or you have had an abnormal digital rectal exam.

When is this test ordered?

Your healthcare provider may order a SelectMDx test if you have:

  • elevated PSA levels
  • had an abnormal digital rectal exam
  • a family history of prostate cancer
  • other factors that may put you at elevated risk for prostate cancer such as age or ethnic background
How can I get tested?

SelectMDx is a two-part process for urine sample collection. First your physician must conduct a prostatic massage (via a digital rectal exam; DRE) to slough off cells from your prostate. Following this you must provide a urine sample which  is generally collected in your urologist’s office and delivered the same day to a LifeLabs Patient Service Centre along with a requisition completed by your physician.

Understanding your results

Test results will be provided directly to your healthcare provider for discussion with you. The report will indicate the likelihood of prostate cancer (and clinically significant disease) upon biopsy.

Resources

 

FAQs

Overview

SelectMDx is a well-validated decision support tool for patients with elevated PSA (validated on 4-10ng/ml). It has an NPV of 98% for clinically significant cancer. It produces a likelihood score for clinical significant disease defined as GS equal to or more than 7 (3+4 and 4+3), and therefore the test result is relevant to a clinical decision to perform a biopsy.

The test is a reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay performed on urine specimens collected immediately following prostatic message from patients who are being considered for prostate biopsy. The test measures the urinary mRNA levels of DLX1 and HOXC6 biomarkers. Higher levels of DLX1 and HOXC6 mRNA are associated with an increased probability for clinically significant disease. The SelectMDx  likelihood score is calculated by combining DLX1 and HOXC6 mRNA levels with established clinical risk factors, including PSA, prostate volume, DRE, family history and age, is based on a clinical model that yields an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85 – 0.90). Performance is based on the presence of all relevant data elements (although minimally impacted by lack of PSA Density, Family History and DRE Findings). Results for patients on 5­-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) should be interpreted with caution.

How to Order

Urine samples for SelectMDx must be collected following prostatic message. Urine samples are generally collected in a physician’s office and then delivered by the patient the same day to the nearest LifeLabs Patient Service Centre. The urine sample must be accompanied by a completed provincial third-party billing form, along with a requisition (clinical information is required for test reporting) MDx Form. Please refer to test collection instruction for full details.

Receiving results

Results will be available to you within 10 business days of sample collection. Consult your urologist to review the results and decide on next steps.

Resources

 

 

Find a Urologist

Discuss with your urologist whether SelectMDx might benefit you. To find a healthcare provider near you
who is already using this test, enter your address below.
Showing 1 - 25 of 40 locations

People who looked at the SelectMDx Testing were also interested in:

Featured
Services

Testing Options for Long
COVID Assessment

The use of various diagnostic tests for Long COVID should be considered for patients with ongoing symptoms associated with Long COVID to assess for conditions that may respond to treatment, once basic testing such as complete blood count, basic metabolic profi...
Learn More
COVID-19 Antibody Testing

COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test Panel

Find out if you have COVID-19 Antibodies.
This test panel can be used to assess recent or previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 as well as determine the presence of antibodies in individuals who have been vaccinated agai...
Learn More
Diagnosing Allergies

Serum Allergy Testing

The serum allergy test is one type of allergy test that can be used to assist in the diagnosis and management of allergies. Through a simple blood test, analyzed in a laboratory, your doctor can uncover the amount of allergen-specific antibodies, called Immuno...
Learn More
Diagnosing H. pylori Infection

H. pylori Infection.

The H. pylori stool antigen test is a common test used to accurately diagnose whether you have an H. pylori infection. Detecting H. pylori is essential in identifying the cause of your symptoms and/or ulcers in the absence of more advanced signs. It is also va...
Learn More
COVID-19 Antibody Testing

COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test

Find out if you’ve had COVID-19 through an Antibody test.
This blood test detects prior infection, even if you never experienced symptoms.
Learn More
Reaching a definitive diagnosis of hypertension

24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

Learn More
Take the guesswork out of your diet

IgG Food Sensitivity Testing

Symptoms associated with food sensitivities develop slowly over time and can create inflammation and contribute to symptoms of a variety of diseases. The RMA FST™ IgG Food Sensitivity test can help identify potential food sensitivities and t...
Learn More
Colorectal Cancer Screening

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

FIT is a safe and painless at-home cancer screening test. FIT checks someone’s stool (poop) for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by colon cancer and some pre-cancerous polyps (growths in the colon or rectum that can turn into cancer over time). W...
Learn More
Colorectal Cancer Screening

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

FIT is a safe and painless stool-based test used for screening people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. FIT checks for the presence of occult blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer and/or pre-cancerous lesions. When ...
Learn More
(Omega-3)

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

The Omega-3 Fatty Acid test quantifies the fatty acids present in a sample of a patient’s whole blood. Specific levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the blood hav...
Learn More
Helping Naturopathic Doctors Gain a Better View of the Health Status of their Patients

Patient Assessment Panels

Patient Assessment Panels enable you to provide your Naturopathic Doctor with a complete picture of your health. Now you can access the blood work required to make informed decisions on how to be your healthiest you!
1. Convenient
2. Comprehensive <...
Learn More
Fecal Calprotectin Testing

Differentiating Between
IBS and IBD

Canada has one of the highest incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome in the world. With symptoms of these two conditions appearing similar, Fecal Calprotectin testing can provide an accurate diagnosis in many ...
Learn More
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus)

QUANTIFERON-TB GOLD Plus (FOR TB SCREENING)

QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is a simple blood test that aids in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria which causes tuberculosis (TB). Like its predecessor, QFT-Plus is an interferon gamma release assay, commonly known as an IGRA, ...
Learn More
Know Your Risk for Heart Attacks

SMARTVascular Dx

The second leading cause of death among Canadians, heart attacks are often a silent killer with no signs or symptoms before they strike. Often resulting from coronary heart disease, heart attacks can be predicted and even prevented if you know and manage your ...
Learn More
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

One in seven men in Canada will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The third leading cause of cancer death, when prostate cancer is detected early, the more likely it can be successfully treated.
Learn More
Determine your risk of bone fractures

Osteoporosis

Known as the “silent thief”, osteoporosis is responsible for the loss of bone mass without obvious symptoms until a bone is broken. By knowing your risk through a Serum CTX Test, you can prevent, delay or reduce bone loss.
Learn More
Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

HPV Testing

About 75% of sexually active women will get a least one HPV infection in their lifetime. With HPV the primary cause of cervical cancer, the HPV test detects the presence of high-risk HPV strain(s).
Learn More
Diagnosing Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease can arise at any age creating damage to your intestines and starving your body of critical nutrients. With a range of symptoms commonly associated with other conditions, knowing if you are celiac, or simply have a gluten allergy or intolerance, ...
Learn More
Detecting Rheumatoid Arthritis

Anti-CCP

The daily pain, stiffness and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis can go undiagnosed for months causing permanent damage to your body. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis at its earliest stages can prevent damage and improve long-term quality of life.
Learn More
Fertility Test

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

With one in six couples across Canada experiencing difficulty in becoming pregnant, AMH levels can provide valuable insight into predicting a response for IVF treatment.
Learn More
Vitamin Levels

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus and is essential
for proper growth and healthy teeth and bones throughout your life.
Learn More

General Diagnostic Tests

View all tests

Genetic Tests

Learn More

Naturopathic Tests

Learn More

LifeLabs Comes to You!

Price

$80 per person.

Services offered

Blood tests, ECG monitoring, Holter monitoring

Locations

Now serving all of Toronto and select areas in York, Peel and Halton regions.
Check Service Availability and Request Your Appointment


For rush results (NAAT within 12 hours and PCR within 24 hours)

  1. Order your FlyClear test and receive your FlyClear test requisition
  2. Book an appointment at a LifeLabs location below.
    • Bring your printed FlyClear requisition and Passport
    • Select your ordered Province’s Rush Test to start booking:
    British Columbia

    6084 Russ Baker Way
    Richmond near Airport

    COVID-19 PCR (24h) / Rush 12h NAAT

    Ontario

    6084 Russ Baker Way
    Richmond near Airport

    COVID-19 PCR (24h)
    Rush 12h NAAT
    Rapid Antigen (2h)

Pre-Departure testing now available from the comfort of your home with MyVisit (Currently Greater Toronto Area only)

  1. Order your FlyClear test and receive your FlyClear test requisition.
  2. Book your Home Visit appointment with the MyVisit portal or, if your flight is within the next five days, contact a MyVisit coordinator 1-416-993-9579 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm EST)

MyVisit Pre-departure testing offers:

  • COVID-19 PCR/NAAT swab testing
  • COVID-19 Antibody Blood (serology) testing

The MyVisit fee is $80 per person.

Pre-Departure testing

Book your appointment online here. If your flight is within the next five days and you have received your FlyClear requisition, please contact a MyVisit coordinator 1-416-993-9579 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm EST).

Your health & safety is important to us

We ask that you please wear a mask at all of our locations to ensure the health and safety of all customers and employees.

Thank you for your cooperation!