ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cancer Antigen-Breast (CA 15-3) : 0080464

Mnemonic: CA-BREAST

Methodology: Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect:  One 4 mL serum separator tube or plasma separator tube.  Also acceptable: green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Transport:  1 mL serum or plasma at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:  0.2 mL serum or plasma at 2-8°C.

Remarks:  Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature.  Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP.

Stability:  After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months
Reference Interval:
0-31 U/mL
Interpretive Data: The Roche Modular E170 CA 15-3 electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably.  The CA 15-3 assay is used to aid in the management of Stage II and III breast cancer patients.  Serial testing for patient CA 15-3 assay values should be used in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring breast cancer.  Patients with confirmed breast carcinoma frequently have CA 15-3 assay values in the same range as healthy individuals.  Elevations may be observed in patients with nonmalignant disease.  For these reasons, a CA 15-3 assay value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.
CPT Code(s): 86300
 
 

 

 

 
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