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HelpTest Code CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Serum
Reporting Name
Carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), SUseful For
Monitoring colorectal cancer and selected other cancers such as medullary thyroid carcinoma
May be useful in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation treatment
This test is not useful for screening the general population for undetected cancers.
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
Nonsmokers: ≤3.0 ng/mL
Some smokers may have elevated CEA, usually <5.0 ng/mL.
Serum markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82378
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CEA | Carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), S | 83085-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CEA | Carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), S | 83085-1 |
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.Report Available
1 to 3 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.