What is being analysed?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein present in the tissues of a developing baby in the womb. It is also produced in small amounts by healthy adult tissues, but elevated levels can indicate various types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.
What does the result mean?
Elevated levels of CEA in the blood may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal, lung, breast, pancreas, stomach, or liver cancer. However, other non-cancerous conditions can also cause elevated CEA levels, so further testing is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis.
When should the analysis be done?
CEA analysis may be recommended by a healthcare provider if there is suspicion of colorectal cancer, if a person has been diagnosed with cancer and their CEA levels need monitoring, or if there are symptoms suggestive of cancer recurrence.
What sample is required?
A blood sample is required for CEA analysis. This sample is typically drawn from a vein in the arm using a needle.
Is any prior preparation necessary?
No specific preparation is usually necessary before CEA analysis. However, it's essential to follow any instructions provided by your doctor, such as fasting requirements, if applicable.
What are the normal values?
Normal CEA levels in the blood typically range from 0 to 2.5 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) in non-smokers and slightly higher in smokers. However, these values may vary depending on the laboratory and the specific assay used.
Normal CEA values:
|
Non-Smokers |
Smokers |
|---|---|
|
0 - 2.5 ng/mL |
Slightly higher than non-smokers |
Note: These values are approximate and may vary between laboratories.
Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels can aid in cancer diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and assessing the risk of cancer recurrence. However, it's important to interpret CEA results in conjunction with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests for an accurate assessment.