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CEA
Test CodeCEAF
Alias/See Also
Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Cancer Antigen
CPT Codes
82378
Preferred Specimen
Serum GOLD (SST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
Serum (Red) or Gold (SST) or Orange (OJ) or Tiger Top Serum
Specimen Stability
- For serum, allow samples to clot adequately before centrifugation.
- Keep tubes stoppered at all times.
- Within two hours after centrifugation, transfer at least 500 µL of cell-free serum to a storage tube. Tightly stopper the tube immediately.
- Store samples, tightly stoppered, at room temperature (15 to 300 C) for no longer than eight hours.
- If the assay will not be completed within eight hours, refrigerate the samples at 2 to 80 C.
- If the assay will not be completed within 48 hours, or for shipment of samples, freeze at -200 C or colder.
Methodology
Beckman DXI/Access
Setup Schedule
24x7
Reference Range
0-0.5 ng/mL
Clinical Significance
The measurement of serum CEA has shown substantial benefit in the prognosis and management of patients with malignant diseases, especially colorectal cancer. Serial measurements can be used to monitor patients for progression, regression or recurrence of cancer following treatment. A persistent elevation of CEA following therapeutic or surgical intervention signals residual disease or recurrence, whereas decreasing levels to within the normal range is indicative of successful intervention.
CEA is also elevated in the serum of patients with non-malignant diseases and in heavy smokers, therefore CEA should not be used in the diagnosis of cancer or for screening asymptomatic patients.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
