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HelpTest Code CEA CEA
Synonyms/Keywords
Carcinoembroyonic Ag.
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Serum | Serum Separator Tube (SST) | Red Top Tube (RTT) | 1.0 mL | 0.4 mL | 0.3 mL |
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature |
Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Serum |
Ambient |
8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 days | |
| Frozen | >2 days |
Interferences
Human Anti-Murine Antibodies (HAMA) may develop leading to test interference in patients receiving murine-based agents for chemotherapy or tumor imaging.
For testing performed at Weston: High doses of exogenous biotin (also termed Vitamin B7, Vitamin H or Coenzyme R) may interfere with this assay. It is recommended that patients refrain from consuming any multivitamin or supplement containing biotin for at least 72 hours prior to collection of a blood sample.
Interpretations
CEA is elevated in the serum of some patients with non-malignant diseases and in heavy smoker.
CEA should not be used in the diagnosis of cancer or for screening asymptomatic patients.
If specimen source in not blood, order CEA, Body Fluid (testcode: CEA-O).
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield | ≤ 3.0 ng/mL |
| Reference limit is approximately 2-fold higher in smokers. | |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Beckman Coulter DXI |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82378 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82378 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | CEA Level |