Carcinoembryonic Antigen, CEA
Test Summary
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.
Aliases
- CEA
- Carcinoembryonic
- CEA (serum)
- CEA Level
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature = 7 days
- Refrigerated = 14 days
- Frozen = 6 months
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Order Code
CEA2
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB6858
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82378
Billing Code
- 500336
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
Department
Chemistry
Reference Range
- Non-Smoker: <2.5 U/mL
- Smoker: <5.0 U/mL
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature = 7 days
- Refrigerated = 14 days
- Frozen = 6 months
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
- Non-Smoker: <2.5 U/mL
- Smoker: <5.0 U/mL
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily