Test Directory

• Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Increased serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels have been detected in persons with primary colorectal cancer and in patients with other malignancies involving the gastrointestinal tract, breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, 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. CEA levels provide important information about patient prognosis, recurrence of tumors after surgical removal, and effectiveness of therapy.

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.8 mL

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

HNL Lab Medicine Chemistry Reference Intervals