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HelpTest ID CA25 Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125), Serum
Useful For
Evaluating patients' response to cancer therapy, especially for ovarian carcinoma
Predicting recurrent ovarian cancer or intraperitoneal tumor
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Reporting Name
Cancer Ag 125 (CA 125), SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.6 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 a Oncology Test Request Form (T729) with the specimen
(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/oncology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a glycoprotein antigen normally expressed in tissues derived from coelomic epithelia (ovary, fallopian tube, peritoneum, pleura, pericardium, colon, kidney, stomach).
Serum CA 125 is elevated in approximately 80% of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, but assay sensitivity is suboptimal in early disease stages. The average reported sensitivities are 50% for stage I and 90% for stage II or greater.
Elevated serum CA 125 levels have been reported in individuals with a variety of nonovarian malignancies including cervical, liver, pancreatic, lung, colon, stomach, biliary tract, uterine, fallopian tube, breast, and endometrial carcinomas.
Elevated serum CA 125 levels have been reported in individuals with a variety of nonmalignant conditions including: cirrhosis, hepatitis, endometriosis, first trimester pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Elevated levels during the menstrual cycle also have been reported.
Reference Values
<35 U/mL
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.
Not useful as a screening assay for cancer detection in the normal population.
Results cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of disease.
Serum markers are not specific for malignancy and values may vary by method. Values obtained with different assay methods cannot be used interchangeably.
Some individuals have antibodies to mouse protein (HAMA), which can cause interference in immunoassays that employ mouse antibodies. In particular, it has been reported that serum specimens from patients who have undergone therapeutic or diagnostic procedures that include infusion of mouse monoclonal antibodies may produce erroneous results in such assays. Rerunning the specimen in question after additional blocking treatment may resolve the issue.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 5 a.m.-12 a.m.
Saturday; 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. 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
86304