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HelpTest ID CA153 Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.
Useful For
Managing breast cancer patients when used in conjunction with clinical information and other diagnostic procedures
Serial testing to assist in early detection of disease recurrence in previously treated stage II and III breast cancer patients
Monitoring response to therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients
This test is not useful as a cancer screening test.
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Reporting Name
Cancer Ag 15-3, (CA 15-3), SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Clinical Information
Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent form of cancer in women. These tumors often produce mucinous antigens, which are large molecular weight glycoproteins with O-linked oligosaccharide chains. Tumor-associated antigens encoded by the human MUC-1 gene are known by several names, including MAM6, milk mucin antigen, cancer antigen (CA) 27.29, and CA 15-3.
CA 15-3 assay values are not elevated in most normal individuals and are frequently elevated in sera from breast cancer patients.
Nonmammary malignancies in which elevated CA 15-3 assay values have been reported include: lung, colon, pancreas, primary liver, ovary, cervix, and endometrium.
Reference Values
Males: <30 U/mL (use not defined)
Females: <30 U/mL
Cautions
Testing for cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) should be performed in conjunction with other clinical methods used for the early detection of recurrence.
Some patients who have been exposed to mouse antigens, whether in the environment or as part of treatment or imaging procedures, may have circulating antimouse antibodies. These antibodies may interfere with the assay reagents to produce unreliable CA 15-3 assay results.
In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to ruthenium or streptavidin can occur.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
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.CPT Code Information
86300