Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
CPT Code(s):
82378
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
14 days
Clinical Significance
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of oncology and cancer monitoring. This test measures the level of CEA, a protein produced by certain types of cells, in a patient's blood.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of CEA include:
1. Cancer Detection and Diagnosis: CEA is primarily used as a tumor marker in the detection and diagnosis of certain types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Elevated CEA levels may indicate the presence of cancer, although it is important to note that CEA levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions. The test is often used in combination with other diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies and biopsies, to aid in the diagnosis and staging of cancer.
2. Monitoring Cancer Treatment and Recurrence: CEA is valuable in monitoring the response to cancer treatment and detecting cancer recurrence. Serial measurements of CEA levels over time provide healthcare providers with information about the effectiveness of therapy and help detect early signs of tumor recurrence. A decrease in CEA levels may indicate a positive response to treatment, while an increase or persistent elevation may suggest disease progression or recurrence.
3. Prognostic Indicator: CEA can serve as a prognostic indicator in certain types of cancer. Elevated CEA levels at the time of diagnosis or after treatment have been associated with a poorer prognosis and may indicate a higher risk of disease recurrence or metastasis. The test helps healthcare providers assess the aggressiveness of the disease and guide treatment decisions.
4. Surgical Planning: CEA is sometimes used in the preoperative planning of cancer surgery. Elevated CEA levels may indicate the presence of metastatic disease, and the test helps identify patients who may require more extensive surgical interventions or additional adjuvant therapies.
5. Response to Therapy: CEA can assist in monitoring the response to specific cancer treatments, such as targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Changes in CEA levels during treatment can provide insights into treatment efficacy and guide treatment modifications or adjustments.
It is important to note that while CEA is a valuable tool in cancer detection and monitoring, it is not specific to a particular type of cancer and can be elevated in other conditions, such as non-cancerous inflammatory disorders or smoking. Therefore, CEA is most useful when interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical history and combined with other diagnostic tests and imaging studies.
In summary, CEA has specific clinical significance in cancer detection and diagnosis, monitoring cancer treatment and recurrence, serving as a prognostic indicator, aiding in surgical planning, and monitoring response to therapy. By measuring CEA levels, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose and manage cancer, assess treatment response, and guide patient care.