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HelpTest Code CEA or LAB57 Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Serum
Specimen Requirements
| Container Type: |
Optimal: Gold Acceptable: Red |
| Optimal Collection Volume: |
4.5mL; full tube |
| Minimum Volume: |
1 mL whole blood |
| Collection Instructions: |
Gently invert the sample 5-6 times after collection. |
| Specimen Transport: |
Refrigerate |
| Processing Instructions: |
1. Allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes. 2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection. 3. After centrifugation, specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum aliquoted to a false bottom container. 4. Keep the specimen refrigerated until testing can be performed. |
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Room Temperature | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Specimen Rejection Criteria
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Lipemia | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Icterus | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Other | Quantity not sufficient |
Useful For
The main indication for CEA determinations is the follow-up and therapy-management of colorectal carcinoma. CEA determinations are not recommended for cancer-screening in the general population. CEA concentrations within the normal range do not exclude the possible presence of malignant disease.
Methodology
Roche Cobas - Electrochemiluminescence assay
Note: Values from different methods may give different results and cannot be used interchangeably.
Reference Ranges
0-5 ng/mL
Note: Smokers may have higher values.
Interpretive
CEA - Clinical & Interpretive: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Serum (mayocliniclabs.com)
Day(s) Performed
24/7
Expected TAT
Same day
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo
Sample Retention Time
7 days
CPT Code
82378
LOINC Code
2039-6