The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.

SPECIMEN: 2 mL (1 mL min.) serum from 1 SST. Ship refrigerated or frozen. Give brief clinical history.

STABILITY: Room: 8 hrs; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 3 weeks

REPORT: Daily

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Nil.

USAGE: Increased levels of CEA are found in patients with primary Colorectal carcinoma and other malignancies like Medullary thyroid carcinoma and Carcinoma of breast, GI tract, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate. Serial monitoring of CEA should begin prior to therapy to establish a baseline for evaluating possible recurrence. Levels generally return to normal within 1 to 4 months after removal of tumor. Smokers show a higher baseline level of CEA.