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Test Code PFCEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Pleural Fluid

Reporting Name

CEA, Pleural Fluid

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

An adjuvant to cytology and imaging studies to differentiate between nonmalignant and malignant causes of pleural effusions

Method Name

Immunoenzymatic Assay


Specimen Required


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

Specimen Volume: 2 mL


Specimen Type

Pleural Fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Pleural Fluid Frozen (preferred) 90 days
  Refrigerated  14 days
  Ambient  7 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Interpretation

A pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration of 3.5 ng/mL or higher is suspicious but not diagnostic of a malignant source of the effusion. This cutoff yielded a sensitivity of 52%, specificity of 95%, and part per volume of 93% in a study of 200 patients presenting with effusion. CEA concentrations were significantly higher in effusions caused by CEA-secreting malignancies, including lung, breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, and colorectal cancers. However, effusions caused by non-CEA-secreting malignancies, including lymphoma, mesothelioma, leukemia, and melanoma, routinely had CEA concentrations below 3.5 ng/mL. Therefore, negative results should be interpreted with caution, especially in patients who have or are suspected of having a non-CEA-secreting malignancy.

 

Correlation of all tumor marker results with cytology and imaging is highly recommended.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

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

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PFCEA CEA, Pleural Fluid 19169-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
PCEA CEA, Pleural Fluid 19169-2
SITE9 Site 39111-0

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.