CEA

Message

Chemistry

Test Code

LAB57

Alias/See Also

Carcinoembryonic Antigen

CPT Codes
82378

Includes

Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Preferred Specimen

Gold top (serum separator tube)

Minimum Volume

Whole blood: 600 uL ( one full light-green-top microtainer or two full red-top microtainers).

Serum/plasma: 300 uL plasma.

Other Acceptable Specimens

Red Top and Light green top (lithium heparin plasma) acceptable

Specimen Stability

Serum and plasma samples
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 4 weeks

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

Hemolyzed, contaminated, not enough volume

FDA Status
Approved

Setup Schedule

Everyday

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

The VITROS CEA test is not recommended as a screening procedure for cancer detection.
The results from this or any other diagnostic test should be used and interpreted only in the context of the
overall clinical picture.

Different CEA test methods cannot be used interchangeably. CEA in a given patient sample determined
with tests from different manufacturers can vary due to differences in test methods and reagent
specificity. A change to the test used during serial monitoring of a patient should be accompanied by
additional sequential testing to confirm baseline values.

Reference Range

0.0 - 3.0 ng/ml

Clinical Significance

This immunoassay is manufactured by Ortho clinical Diagnostics. Tumor marker values using different test methods or manufacturers may vary and cannot be compared. If there is a change to the manufacturer or methodology, patients undergoing serial monitoring should have additional testing performed to confirm baseline values.

Performing Laboratory
Hoag Newport

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.