A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Ag), Serum
Test CodeCEAQ
Quest Code
978
CPT Codes
82378
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
For CEA testing on fluids, the following codes are available:
17420 CEA, CSF
17605X CEA, Pericardial Fluid
17421X CEA, Peritoneal Fluid
17584X CEA, Pleural Fluid
Fluids other than those listed are not acceptable.
17420 CEA, CSF
17605X CEA, Pericardial Fluid
17421X CEA, Peritoneal Fluid
17584X CEA, Pleural Fluid
Fluids other than those listed are not acceptable.
Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days
Limitations
The presence of HAMA in patients can cause false-positive or false-negative results with tests for the determination of blood CEA levels. Approximately 5% of colorectal cancers are not associated with increased levels of CEA. CEA may be elevated in many types of solid cancer.
Reference Range
Non-Smoker | <2.5 | ng/mL | |
Smoker | <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
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153