CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN (CEA) TEST
1,700 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Carcinoembryonic antigen
Purpose
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test is a blood test that measures the level of CEA, a protein that may be present in higher amounts in individuals with certain types of cancers, particularly of the colon and rectum.
CEA is a tumor marker normally found at very low levels in healthy adults. It may rise when cancer is present, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
- It helps monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy or surgery).
- It can detect cancer recurrence after treatment.
Though not typically used to diagnose cancer on its own, elevated levels may prompt further investigation when cancer is suspected.
Other tests often performed alongside the CEA test include Colonoscopy, CT or PET scans, other tumor markers such as CA 19-9 (especially in pancreatic cancer) or CA 125 (in ovarian cancer), biopsy and histopathology, complete blood count (CBC), and liver function tests (LFTs)
Patient Preparation
The patient should avoid taking biotin supplements at least 72 to sample collection.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of serum collected in a red top tube or gel barrier tube. Transfer the separated serum to a plastic transport tube if a red-top tube is used. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Tes
0.4.7ng/ml, nonsmoker <3.9ng/ml, smoker, 5.6ng/ml
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours of receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The CEA test is primarily used to support the diagnosis and monitoring of colorectal adenocarcinoma, but elevated CEA levels can also occur in other cancers such as lung, breast, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. Possible outcomes of the CEA test include;
- Elevated CEA levels
May suggest the presence of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, or indicate cancer recurrence or metastasis in a previously diagnosed patient. However, elevated levels can also be caused by smoking, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, and other non-malignant conditions
Further diagnostic tests are usually needed to confirm the cause.
- Normal CEA levels
Often suggest that no detectable cancer is present, but they do not completely rule out cancer, especially in its early stages. Some cancer patients may not have elevated CEA at all.
- Falling CEA levels during treatment
May indicate that treatment is effective and the tumor burden is decreasing.
- Rising CEA levels after treatment
Can suggest cancer recurrence or progression and often lead to further imaging or diagnostic procedures.
Always interpret CEA results in combination with clinical evaluation, imaging, and other lab tests for a complete picture.
For more information on CEA testing, read this study.