CEA

Test Code
CEA


Alias/See Also
Carcino embryonic antigen
Chemistry


Preferred Specimen
Gold Top Tube


Minimum Volume
2 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens
NULL


Transport Temperature
Refrigerate


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours. Separate if not tested within this time.
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Freeze at -20°C or colder if not tested within 7 days.


Methodology
Chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay

Setup Schedule
M-F


Report Available
TAT 1 - 7 days


Reference Range
Category Reference range Units
  0 - 5 ng/mL
Non-smokers < 2.5 ng/mL
Smokers < 5.0 ng/mL


Clinical Significance
Increased serum CEA levels have been detected in persons with primary colorectal cancer and in patients with other malignancies involving the gastrointestinal tract, breast, lung, ovarian, prostatic, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Elevated serum CEA levels have also been detected in patients with nonmalignant disease, especially patients who are older or who are smokers. CEA levels are not useful in screening the general population for undetected cancers. However, CEA levels provide important information about patient prognosis, recurrence of tumors after surgical removal, and effectiveness of therapy.


Performing Laboratory
Test performed at West Roxbury Chemistry Lab
Contact: Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek 857-203-5973


Last Updated: April 4, 2019


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.