Stockholm3 - Book your PSA test
Stockholm3 is a blood test that combines several biomarkers (total PSA, free PSA, hK2, MSMB, MIC1 and 101 genetic markers) together with clinical information (age, previous prostate biopsy and heredity for prostate cancer). The result is a Stockholm3 Risk Score that indicates the risk of prostate cancer requiring treatment and provides clear recommendations for the next step. Important information: The analysis is performed by Stockholm3 and sampling can only be carried out at Unilab's clinics in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
Why choose Stockholm3 over a regular PSA test?
Early and accurate detection of prostate cancer requiring treatment is crucial, especially if suspected or hereditary. Stockholm3 provides a more accurate risk assessment than a single PSA value by weighing together biomarkers, genetics and clinical information. The test is recommended for men between the ages of 45 and 74 who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A more accurate PSA test
Stockholm3 can detect up to 100% more cancer cases requiring treatment compared to a traditional PSA test and reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies by approximately 50%. This provides better conditions for early and correctly targeted follow-up.
Recommendations based on risk level
A regular PSA test can be difficult to interpret. Stockholm3 provides both a Risk Score and a Recommendation based on your individual risk level. Many men have such a low risk that a new test can wait several years, saving time, money and worry.
The difference between Stockholm3 and a traditional PSA test
PSA cannot distinguish between harmless and treatment-requiring cancers and often leads to unnecessary biopsies. Stockholm3 identifies a higher proportion of treatment-requiring cases and reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies through a comprehensive risk assessment, which provides clearer guidance for the next step.
Interpretation of your test results
The result from Stockholm3 consists of two parts: Stockholm3 Risk Score (percentage risk for treatment-requiring prostate cancer, ISUP ≥ 2, at biopsy) and Stockholm3 Recommendation (recommended follow-up based on the risk level). Please note that Stockholm3 is a risk assessment and not a diagnosis; in case of increased risk, further investigation by a urologist is recommended.
Mandatory questions when ordering a test
When ordering, you must answer the following questions in the health declaration (activated in connection with a referral after purchase):
- Age at the time of sampling:
- What is the patient's age at the time of sampling?
- Family history of prostate cancer:
- Has your father or any of your brothers/sons been diagnosed with prostate cancer? [Yes/No/Don't know]
- Medication:
- Have you taken any of the following medications now or in the past 3 months continuously: dutasteride (e.g. Avodart) or finasteride (e.g. Proscar, Finasteride, etc.)? [Yes/No/Don't know]
- Previous prostate biopsy:
- Have you previously undergone a prostate biopsy? [Yes/No/Don't know]
Before sampling
No fasting is required. To avoid temporarily elevated PSA levels, we recommend that you avoid ejaculation and prolonged cycling for 48 hours before sampling. Inform if you are using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride/dutasteride) or high doses of biotin, as this may affect the analysis.
The result from the Stockholm3 test consists of two different parts:
- Stockholm3 Risk Score: A risk assessment that indicates the likelihood that the patient has prostate cancer requiring treatment (ISUP ≥ 2) at biopsy.
- Stockholm3 Recommendation: A recommendation for further care based on the risk assessment.
Response categories for Stockholm3 Recommendation
- Low risk: Stockholm3 Risk Score 0–3 %
- Normal risk: Stockholm3 Risk Score 4–10 %
- Elevated risk with volume cut-off: Stockholm3 Risk Score 11–29 %
- Elevated risk without volume cut-off: Stockholm3 Risk Score ≥ 30 %
Results provided based on risk level
- High risk (Stockholm3 Risk Score ≥ 11):
- Stockholm3 Risk Score
- Total PSA
- Stockholm3 Prostate Volume Cut-Off (if applicable)
- Normal risk (Stockholm3 Risk Score 4–10):
- Stockholm3 Risk Score
- Total PSA
- Low risk (Stockholm3 Risk Score < 4):
- Stockholm3 Risk Score
- Total PSA with the answer ≤ 1.5 ng/ml
Important about PSA threshold (1.5 ng/ml)
According to the Stockholm3 method guidelines, the extended analysis (protein markers, genetic markers and algorithm) is performed when PSA ≥ 1.5 ng/ml. At PSA < 1.5 ng/ml, the PSA answer and risk are assessed as low; the entire panel is then not performed.
Delivery of test results
You will receive your Doctor-annotated test results via My Journal (Bank-ID). The usual response time is approximately 1–2 weeks.
