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Carcinoembryonic Antigen, CEA
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Test Code
CEA2
Alias/See Also
CEA;
Carcinoembry;
CEA (serum);
CEA Level
Carcinoembry;
CEA (serum);
CEA Level
CPT Codes
82378
Preferred Specimen
serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Avoid hemolysis. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Centrifuge 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Transport Container
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature = 7 days
Refrigerated = 14 days
Frozen = 6 months
Refrigerated = 14 days
Frozen = 6 months
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Methodology
immunoassay
Setup Schedule
Daily
TM
TM
Report Available
1 day
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
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439
Last Updated: November 13, 2023
