Home
HelpTest ID 199PC Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), Pancreatic Cyst Fluid
Useful For
As an adjunct in the assessment of pancreatic cysts, when used in conjunction with carcinoembryonic antigen, amylase, imaging studies and cytology
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Reporting Name
CA19-9, Pancreatic CystSpecimen Type
Pancreatic Cyst FluidContainer/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Additional Information: Twelve hours before this blood test, do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin or vitamin B7 that are commonly found in hair, skin and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request Form (T729) with the specimen
(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/oncology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Samples <0.5 mL may be rejected)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreatic Cyst Fluid | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a modified Lewis(a) blood group antigen, and has been used as a tumor marker. Serum CA 19-9 concentrations may be elevated in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies such as cholangiocarcinoma, colon cancer, or pancreatic cancer. While serum CA 19-9 is neither sensitive nor specific for pancreatic cancer, concentrations of CA 19-9 in pancreatic cyst fluid may help determine whether a pancreatic cyst is benign.
Cystic lesions of the pancreas are of various types:
-Benign cysts:
- Inflammatory cysts (pseudocysts)
- Serous cysts (serous cystadenoma)
-Mucinous cysts:
- Premalignant (mucinous cystadenoma)
- Malignant (cystadenocarcinoma, intrapapillary mucinous neoplasia)
Pancreatic cyst fluid CA 19-9 results should be used in conjunction with imaging studies, cytology, and other cyst-fluid tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen and amylase.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
Twelve hours before this blood test, do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin or vitamin B7 that are commonly found in hair, skin and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and other tumor markers are not specific for malignancy and CA 19-9 testing has limited utility when used as the sole tumor marker test. Other tests (eg, carcinoembryonic antigen, amylase, cytology) should be performed in conjunction with CA 19-9 for assessing pancreatic cyst aspirates.
A low or negative result (<5 U/mL) may be uninformative or misleading since some individuals (Lewis nonsecretors) do not produce the CA 19-9 antigen. In such cases, a serum CA 19-9 measurement is necessary to verify that the patient is (or is not) a CA 19-9 secretor.
This test should not be ordered for pancreatic fluid of noncyst origin (eg, pancreatic duct fluid, peripancreatic fluid) since reference values have not been established for this specimen type. Contact Mayo Medical Laboratories for ordering assistance.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; Varies
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86301