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HelpTest Code CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Additional Codes
Epic: LAB57
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container/Type: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.
Additional Information: When serial specimens are being evaluated, the same type of specimen should be used throughout the study.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Not established
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: >7 days
Avoid multiple freeze/thaw cycles of specimens.
Clinical Significance
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein 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.
Increased levels may be found in patients with colorectal or other
malignancies including breast, gastrointestinal tract, and lung,
ovarian, pancreatic, and prostatic tumors.
CEA levels are not useful in screening the general population for
cancer.
CEA levels should not be used alone as absolute evidence of the
presence or absence of malignant disease.
Reference Range
< 5.0 ng/mL
Rejection Due To
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, gross hemolysis
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Daily
Report Available
Same day
Method Name
Chemiluminescent Micro-particle Immunoassay (CMIA)
CPT Codes
82378
LOINC
2039-6
Limitations
Patients with Heterophile antibodies (HAMA) may exhibit falsely
elevated or falsely depressed results.
ARCHITECT CEA results should not be used interchangeably with other
manufacturers’ methods for CEA determinations.
Elevations may be observed in smokers as well as in patients who
have non-malignant diseases. Clinical evaluation and other
diagnostic procedures are needed.