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Test ID CEAPC Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Pancreatic Cyst Fluid


Ordering Guidance


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. For ordering assistance call 800-533-1710.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube

Specimen Volume: 1 mL


Secondary ID

89509

Useful For

When used in conjunction with imaging studies, cytology, and other pancreatic cyst fluid tumor markers:

-Distinguishing between mucinous and nonmucinous pancreatic cysts

-Determining the likely type of malignant pancreatic cyst

Method Name

Immunoenzymatic Assay

Reporting Name

CEA, Pancreatic Cyst

Specimen Type

Pancreatic Cyst Fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Pancreatic Cyst Fluid Frozen (preferred) 90 days
  Refrigerated  72 hours
  Ambient  24 hours

Clinical Information

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are of various types including:

Benign cysts:

-Inflammatory cysts (pseudocysts)

-Serous cysts (serous cystadenoma)

 

Mucinous cysts:

-Premalignant (mucinous cystadenoma)

-Malignant (cystadenocarcinoma, intrapapillary mucinous neoplasia)

 

The diagnosis of pancreatic cyst type is often difficult and may require correlating imaging studies with results of cytological examination and tumor marker testing performed on cyst aspirates. Various tumor markers have been evaluated to distinguish non-mucinous, nonmalignant pancreatic cysts from mucinous cysts, which have a high likelihood of malignancy. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been found to be the most reliable tumor marker for identifying pancreatic cysts that are likely mucinous. In cyst aspirates, CEA concentrations of 200 ng/mL and above are highly suspicious for mucinous cysts. The greater the CEA concentration, the greater the likelihood the mucinous cyst is malignant. However, CEA testing does not reliably distinguish between benign, premalignant, or malignant mucinous cysts. CEA test results should be correlated with the results of imaging studies, cytology, other cyst fluid tumor markers (ie, amylase and CA [carbohydrate antigen] 19-9), and clinical findings for diagnosis.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Cautions

These test results should not be the sole basis for diagnosis. Test results should be always correlated with imaging and cytology.

 

This test does not distinguish between malignant and nonmalignant mucinous cysts.

 

In rare cases, some individuals can develop antibodies to mouse or other animal antibodies (often referred to as human anti-mouse antibodies [HAMA] or heterophile antibodies), which may cause interference in some immunoassays. Caution should be used in interpretation of results and the laboratory should be alerted if the result does not correlate with the clinical presentation.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

82378

NY State Approved

Yes