ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cancer Antigen 125 : 0080462

Mnemonic: CA125

Ordering Recommendation: Not a stand-alone test for ovarian cancer screening or diagnosis. May be used in the workup for and monitoring of epithelial ovarian cancer post therapy. Not recommended for breast cancer or germ-cell tumors.
Methodology: Quantitative Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Plasma separator tube or serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Grossly hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months
Reference Interval:
0-35 U/mL
Interpretive Data: The Roche CA 125 electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different test methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. The CA 125 test is used as an aid in monitoring response to therapy for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Serial testing for patient CA 125 values should be used in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring ovarian cancer. Patients with confirmed ovarian carcinoma may have pretreatment CA 125 values in the same range as healthy individuals. Elevations may be observed in patients with nonmalignant disease. Therefore, a CA 125 value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.
CPT Code(s): 86304
Cross References: CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125)