CEA, Pancreatic Cyst Fluid

Test Code

CEAPCF

Preferred Specimen

1 mL pancreatic cyst fluid

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

7 days refrigerated

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis

Report Available

2-4 days

Reference Range

An interpretive report will be provided.

Clinical Significance

The diagnosis of pancreatic cyst type is often difficult and may require correlating imaging studies with results of cytologic examination and tumor marker testing performed on cyst aspirates. Various tumor markers have been evaluated to distinguish nonmucinous, nonmalignant pancreatic cysts from mucinous cysts, which have a high likelihood of malignancy. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been found to be the most reliable tumor marker for identifying those pancreatic cysts that are likely mucinous. In cyst aspirates, CEA concentrations > or =200 ng/mL are highly suspicious for mucinous cysts. The greater the CEA concentration, the greater the likelihood that the mucinous cyst is malignant. However, CEA testing does not reliably distinguish between benign, premalignant, or malignant mucinous cysts. CEA test results should be correlated with the results of imaging studies, cytology, other cyst fluid tumor markers (ie, amylase and CA 19-9), and clinical findings for diagnosis.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.