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Epic Test Code LAB57 Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hour of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red or gold top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
 >48 hours refrigerated
>8 hours room temperature
>48 hours Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 1800 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 30 mg/dL Bili
EDTA,Citrate,Heparin,NaF,Oxalate

Limitations

CEA levels are elevated in smokers, former smokers, patients with benign liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease and in some patients with noncolorectal (especially gastric, pancreatic, breast and ovarian) neoplasms, pulmonary infection emphysema, and renal failure.

 

CEA Levels should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence/absence of malignant disease

 

CEA levels should always be used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures and patient history.

 

The CEA assay is not recommended as a screening or diagnostic procedure for cancer detection. It is most useful in monitoring therapy, as an adjunct in determining prognosis, monitoring for recurrence.

 

The CEA assay may be negative in some patients with metastatic colorectal and other neoplasms

 

Hepatotoxicity of antineoplastic drugs may cause CEA to increase.

 

Simultaneous evaluation of liver related tests has been advocated.

 

Values obtained with different assay methods cannot be used interchangeably.

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range
All populations ng/mL 0.0-3.0

 

CEA Levels should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence/absence of malignant disease.
CEA levels should always be used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures and patient history.

 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

No

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

82378

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 BHD