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

Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Freeze at -20°C or colder if not tested within 7 days.
Avoid multiple freeze/thaw cycles.

Methodology
The Alinity i CEA assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) used for the quantitative determination of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in human serum and plasma on the Alinity i analyzer.
Patient results determined by assays using different manufacturers or methods may not be comparable.

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: December 19, 2025

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.