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Test Code Billings Clinic: 8948 Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125), Serum

Important Note

Do not use samples that contain fluorescein.  Evidence suggests that patients undergoing retinal fluorescein angiography can retain amounts of fluorescein in the body for up to 72 hours post-treatment.  In the cases of patients with renal insufficiency, including many diabetics retention could be longer.  Such samples can produce either falsely elevated or falsely depressed values when tested with this assay and should not be tested.

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Chemistry

Useful For

  • Evaluating patients' response to cancer therapy, especially for ovarian carcinoma
  • Predicting recurrent ovarian cancer or intraperitoneal tumor

Methodology

Sandwich Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Specimen Requirements

Serum should be physically separated from cells as soon as possible with a maximum limit of two hours from the time of collection.

 

Serum

  • Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
  • Spin down and send 1.0 mL of serum frozen

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated 1 day
  Frozen (preferred) 1 month
  Ambient 8 hours

 

Reject Due To

  • Specimens stabilized with azide
  • Specimens containing fluorescein

Reference Values

1.5 - 35.0 U/mL

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

86304 - Immunoassay for tumor antigen, quantitative; CA 125

 

LCD or NCD test. ICD-10 code is required for this test. When appropriate, obtain a properly executed ABN and submit the ABN with test order(s). See “Medical Necessity and Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) Policy and Form” under "Resources” for a copy of a form and additional information.

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
CA-125 10334-1