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HelpTest ID: CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Serum
Reporting Name
Carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), SUseful For
Monitoring colorectal cancer and selected other cancers such as medullary thyroid carcinoma
May be useful in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation treatment
This test is not useful for screening the general population for undetected cancers.
Clinical Information
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein normally found in embryonic entodermal epithelium.
Increased levels may be found in patients with primary colorectal cancer or other malignancies including medullary thyroid carcinoma and breast, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostatic cancers.
Serial monitoring of CEA should begin prior to therapy to verify post therapy decrease in concentration and to establish a baseline for evaluating possible recurrence. Levels generally return to normal within 1 to 4 months after removal of cancerous tissue.
Interpretation
Grossly elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentrations (>20 ng/mL) in a patient with compatible symptoms are strongly suggestive of the presence of cancer and suggest metastasis.
Most healthy subjects (97%) have values less than or equal to 3.0 ng/mL.
After removal of a colorectal tumor, the serum CEA concentration should return to normal by 6 weeks, unless there is residual tumor.
Increases in test values over time in a patient with a history of cancer suggest tumor recurrence.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Clinical Reference
1. Sturgeon C: Tumor markers. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT, eds: Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:436-478
2. Locker, GY, Hamilton S, Harris J, et al: ASCO 2006 update of recommendations for the use of tumor markers in gastrointestinal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24:5313-5327
3. Moertel CG, Fleming TR, Macdonald JS, et al: An evaluation of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test for monitoring patients with resected colon cancer. JAMA. 1993;270:943-947
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Reference Values
Nonsmokers: ≤3.0 ng/mL
Some smokers may have elevated CEA, usually <5.0 ng/mL.
Serum markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82378
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CEA | Carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), S | 83085-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CEA | Carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), S | 83085-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.
mml-Neuroimmunology, mml-Neuro-oncology, mml-Pediatric