Stockholm3 blood testStockholm3: a clearer look at prostate cancer risk.Stockholm3 is a blood test used alongside the PSA test. It combines blood proteins, genetic markers and information about you into one risk score, to help decide who may need an MRI scan or biopsy, and who may not.Book a GP appointmentCall 07857 761328The test is for men aged 45 to 74 with a PSA of 1.5 or higher. Symptoms such as needing to wee more often should always be checked by a GP.Stockholm3 test £535Results in about 2 weeksExplained by a GPYou keep your NHS GP1What is it?2Who it’s for3The research4What happens5Your result6Things to know7Before your test8Symptoms9FAQs Medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Roslan, MBChB, DGM, MRCGP · GP & Clinical Educator · GMC 7446695OUR GP Dundee · Last reviewed November 2026Seen by a GPSame sample as your PSASpecialist laboratoryResult explained in plain wordsStart hereWhat the Stockholm3 test isA blood test that estimates your risk of prostate cancer, and in particular the cancers that need treatment.The PSA test on its own is not very accurate. A raised PSA often leads to MRI scans and biopsies that find no cancer, or a slow-growing cancer that would never cause harm. Stockholm3 looks at more information to give a clearer picture.A computer program combines three kinds of information into one risk score. A score of 11% or more is treated as a sign of raised risk.Five blood proteinsProteins linked to the prostate, including total and free PSA.101 genetic markersSmall genetic changes linked to prostate cancer, read from the same blood sample.About youYour age, family history of prostate cancer and whether you have had a prostate biopsy.One risk scoreThe report gives your score and a suggested next step for your doctor.Back to top ↑Who it’s forWho can have the testStockholm3 was designed for a particular group of people.Aged 45 to 74A PSA of 1.5 ng/ml or higherNo previous diagnosis of prostate cancerSuitable for transgender people who have a prostateIt is not designed for people under 45 or over 74, or anyone who has already been diagnosed with prostate cancer.At OUR GPThe Stockholm3 blood testFor men aged 45 to 74 with a PSA of 1.5 or higher who want a clearer idea of their prostate cancer risk before deciding about an MRI scan or biopsy.Two small tubes of blood, sent by courier to a specialist laboratory. A GP goes through your risk score and the next steps with you.Good to know: Stockholm3 estimates risk. It cannot tell you for certain whether you have cancer, and only a biopsy can do that.About our blood tests →£535Results in about 2 weeks Book nowBack to top ↑The researchWhat the research showsIn a randomised trial of 12,750 men aged 50 to 74 in Stockholm, Stockholm3 was compared with the PSA test alone.Compared with PSA aloneWhat the trial foundCancers that need treatmentMore were found: 227 with Stockholm3 and MRI-guided biopsy, against 106 with PSA and standard biopsySlow-growing cancersFewer were found (0.7% against 1.4%). These are cancers unlikely ever to cause harmMRI scansAbout a third fewer were needed (545 against 846) to find the same number of cancers that need treatmentInfections after biopsyFewer: 1.8% needed antibiotics, against 4.4%. Hospital stays were 1.2% against 3.4%Other studies in Sweden found around a third fewer biopsies than with PSA alone. In a Norwegian study of 4,787 men, 28% fewer were referred to hospital, and more of the biopsies done found a cancer that needed treatment.Back to top ↑What happensHow the test works at OUR GPStockholm3 adds one step between the PSA test and a hospital referral.Talk it throughA GP explains the pros and cons of testing, checks your PSA and asks about your symptoms and family history.Give a blood sampleTwo small tubes of blood are taken and sent by courier to a specialist laboratory.Get your risk scoreResults usually take about 2 weeks. The report gives your score and a suggested next step.Agree a planA GP goes through your result with you. This may be a repeat test later, or a referral to a urologist for an MRI scan.Back to top ↑Your resultUnderstanding your resultYour report gives a risk score and a recommendation. A GP explains what it means for you.Lower risk: under 11%Usually no scan or biopsy is needed now. The report may suggest a repeat test, for example in 6 years.Higher risk: 11% or moreWe refer you to a urologist, usually for an MRI scan. Depending on the results, you may be offered a biopsy.The report can also take into account the size of your prostate and your examination, and may suggest a biopsy or a repeat test within 2 years. We will explain any recommendation in plain words.Back to top ↑Things to knowWhat the test cannot doIt is not a diagnosisIt estimates risk. Only a biopsy can show whether cancer is there.No test is perfectLike the PSA test, it can overestimate or underestimate your risk.Not used on the NHSIt is not currently part of NHS care, and there is no UK screening programme for prostate cancer.Research from abroadThe studies were done in Sweden and Norway. There is little information yet for Black men and other ethnic groups.Back to top ↑Before your testGetting ready for your testA few simple things help the test go smoothly.Know your PSAThe test is for a PSA of 1.5 or higher. If you have not had one recently, we can check it first.Think about family historyFind out if a father or brother has had prostate cancer. It is part of your risk score.Write down symptomsNote any changes in how you pass urine, or erection problems, to tell the GP.Ask your questionsWhat does my score mean? Do I need an MRI? When should I be tested again? The Stockholm3 blood testDownload our Stockholm3 leafletA free two-page guide: what the test is, who it is for, what the research shows, what happens and what your result means.PDF · 2 pages · A4 · 534 KBDownload leaflet (PDF)Open to printBack to top ↑SymptomsSymptoms to get checkedSee a GP if you noticeneeding to wee more often, especially at night · a sudden urge to wee · trouble starting to wee · problems getting or keeping an erectionTalk to us about your risk ifa close relative has had prostate cancer, or you have an African family background, as about 1 in 4 men with African family background get prostate cancer in their lifetime.A private appointment is not a substitute for emergency care. If you are unsure, call NHS 24 on 111.Back to top ↑FAQsCommon questions How is Stockholm3 different from the PSA test?The PSA test measures one protein. Stockholm3 adds four more blood proteins, 101 genetic markers and information such as your age and family history. In research it was better than PSA alone at picking out the cancers that need treatment. Do I need a PSA test first?Yes. Stockholm3 is for people with a PSA of 1.5 ng/ml or higher. If you have not had a recent PSA, we can check it first. Does a low score mean I don’t have cancer?Not for certain. A low score means your risk of a cancer that needs treatment is low. No test is perfect, so tell us about any new symptoms, and you may be advised to repeat the test in future. How long do the results take?Usually about 2 weeks. The sample goes by courier to a specialist laboratory, and a GP goes through the result with you. Is Stockholm3 available on the NHS?Not at the moment. It is not part of routine NHS care, and there is no UK screening programme for prostate cancer. Can I have it if I’ve had prostate cancer?No. The test is designed for people who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer. If you are being monitored, talk to your specialist.Got symptoms?Changes in how you pass urine should be checked by a GP, whatever your test results. Out of hours, call NHS 24 on 111.Back to top ↑EvidenceWhere this information comes fromThis page is based on NICE’s independent review of the Stockholm3 test, published in August 2022.NICE MIB303: Stockholm3, the technologyNICE MIB303: Stockholm3 medtech innovation briefing (PDF)NICE NG131: Prostate cancer, diagnosis and managementBack to top ↑Thinking about a Stockholm3 test?Book a GP appointment to talk through your PSA, your risk and whether the test is right for you.Book a GP appointmentWhatsApp 07857 761328This page is general information and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. What’s appropriate is a clinical decision made with a GP at your appointment. OUR GP is a trading name of SRS Health Group Limited, regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. All doctors hold a licence to practise with the General Medical Council. Meet our team. We see patients from Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife. More questions? See our FAQs.