ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0080080: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Test Mnemonic: CEA
Methodology: Eletrochemiluminescent Immunoassay

Performed: Sun-Sat

Reported: Within 24 hours

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 4 mL SST.

Transport: 1 mL serum at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.6 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.4 mL serum at 2-8°C.

Remarks: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature.  Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Frozen specimens are also acceptable. 

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma

Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 6 month

Reference Interval:
0.0-3.0 ng/mL

Interpretive Data:
The Roche Modular E170 CEA electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably.  Measurement of CEA has been shown to be clinically relevant in the management of patients with colorectal, breast, lung, prostatic, pancreatic, and ovarian carcinomas.  Smokers may have slightly elevated levels of CEA.  The CEA assay value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease and is not recommended for use as a screening procedure to detect the presence of cancer in the general population.



CPT Code(s):
82378