CEA, Carcinoembryonic antigen (T090) [Back]
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| RISK ASSESSMENT VALUE: |
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a large glycoprotein present on the lining of the GI tract. Circulating levels are normally elevated in the fetus but are low in adults except in the presence of some malignancies. Elevations suggest late stage malignancy with low curability. Cancers associated with an elevated CEA include colorectal, lung, breast, pancreatic, gastric, liver, ovarian, bladder and other cancers less commonly. Attempts to use CEA as a screening tool in clinical populations have not been successful because prevalence and positive predictive value are low and even when cancer is found no benefit is apparent because curability is so low.
Benign conditions associated with elevated CEA include smoking, peptic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis and liver disease.
Its possible value in screening apparently healthy insurance applicants is currently being researched at CRL.
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| NORMAL RESULTS: |
< 2.5 ng/mL in non-smokers
< 5 ng/mL in smokers
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| ABNORMAL RESULTS: |
6 ng/mL or higher is abnormal in all adults
10 ng/mL or higher is very abnormal.
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| ADDITIONAL TESTS: |
None.
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| SAMPLE NEEDED: |
Separated serum from a red-stopper tube or plasma (EDTA or Heparin).
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| SAMPLE STABILITY: |
Stable when refrigerated for 48 hours, indefinitely when frozen. Avoid repeat freezing and thawing.
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| METHOD & INSTRUMENT: |
Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay, Roche E-170.
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| INTERFERING FACTORS: |
Hemolysis caused by rough handling of the sample may elevate serum CEA levels, thereby altering test results.
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| PURPOSE: |
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| PROFILE INCLUDES: |
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| RISK RANGE & UNITS: |
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