Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
- Test Name:
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
- Collection Device/Tube Type:
-
1. EDM Base Lab: 5 mL blood - GOLD SST (gel)
2. CGY DSC: 4.5 mL blood - MINT LIHEP PST (gel)
3. NOTE: The preferred tube type at each testing site is acceptable at the alternate site
- Submission Requirements:
- 1 mL serum or lithium heparin plasma
- Handling/Storage Comments:
-
• Refrigerated transport is preferred but not required
• If a transport delay of > 5 days is expected between specimen collection and receipt at Edmonton Base Lab or Calgary DSC then:
• spin and aliquot serum or plasma into the tubes below:
Edmonton Base Lab: 16 x 75 mm tube
Calgary DSC: Roche False Bottom Tube (preferred) or 12 x 75 mm tube (acceptable)
• freeze
• transport frozen - Frequency of Testing:
-
Daily
- Reference Range:
- ≤ 5.0 ug/L
- Comments:
-
• CEA should not be used for screening or as a primary diagnostic test
• CEA may be increased in heavy smokers
• Biotin taken in doses >1 mg/day may interfere. For more information, see Biotin Interference
- Last Reviewed:
- 28 February 2024
