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Test Code 271 Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Important Note

Human Anti-Mouse Antibodies (HAMA) may be present in samples from patients who have received immunotherapy or diagnostic procedures utilizing monoclonal antibodies or in individuals who have been regularly exposed to animals. Additionally, other heterophile antibodies, such as human anti-goat antibodies may be present in patient samples. Manufacturers formulate assays to minimize the effects of these antibodies; however careful evaluation of patient results must be done when patients are known to have such antibodies.

Carcinoembryonic antigen levels are not useful in screening the general population for undetected cancers.

Additional Codes

ALAB: CEA

PowerChart: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

MA Cerner: Carcinoembryonic Ag. (CEA)

Test Method

Two-Site Immunoenzymatic ("Sandwich") Assay; Beckman

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a red-top or serum gel tube. Serum should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection. Samples with ≥2+ lipemia must be cleared prior to analysis.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Nonsmoker: < 3 ng/mL

Smoker: < 5 ng/mL

CPT Code Information

82378 Chemistry: Carcinoembryonic antigen

Useful For

Monitoring colorectal cancer and selected other cancers such as medullary thyroid carcinoma

May be useful in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation treatment

LOINC Code Information

2039-6 Carcinoembryonic Ag [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL of serum is required.