CEA Test | CEA Blood Test | Tumor Marker Test

What Is Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein that the body produces in minute levels. Certain malignancies, such as colon and rectal cancer, can cause increased CEA production, resulting in elevated levels in the blood. The CEA test determines high levels by measuring the amount of CEA in a person's blood.

About CEA Test

Do you know how to get the CEA blood test done? Read more to find out how you can prepare for it.

Why Do I Need CEA Blood Test?

The CEA test detects the existence of CEA in the blood and can be used to trace the growth of colorectal cancer (CC) and its response to treatment. You may be required or asked to take this test for the following reasons:

CC Progression monitoring: Elevated levels of CEA in the blood can signal that a person's colorectal cancer is progressing, and the test can be used to note down the condition.
Treatment response: A CEA test can also be used to track a person's reaction to colorectal cancer treatment. If CEA levels fall down in the following treatment, it may indicate that the treatment is effective.
CC Screening: A CEA test can be used as a screening tool to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages in persons who are at high risk of acquiring the disease.
Monitoring the reappearance of the disease or symptoms: Following first therapy for colorectal cancer, CEA blood tests can be utilized to track the disease's progression.
Aiding in the diagnosis: Elevated CEA levels in the blood may suggest the existence of cancer. The test can help in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and other malignancies that produce CEA.

How To Prepare For CEA Level Testing?

The CEA tumor marker Test requires no specific preparation. It is a basic blood test that involves collecting blood from a vein in your arm. Be aware of the following factors before taking the test:

Do not fast unless prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Drink adequate water before arriving at the diagnostic center.
Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking.
If you have medications, consult your healthcare provider to know if you can take those before getting your antibody levels checked.

What happens During Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test?

Are you visiting your nearest diagnostic center to get your CEA test? If yes, your healthcare professional will take the following steps to draw the blood sample:

Your healthcare provider will wrap a thin pipe around your arm and cleanse the target area with rubbing alcohol.
The expert will check for the vein in your arm and ask you to clench your fists tightly.
Your healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from your vein using a syringe and collect it in a vial/test tube, removing the injection from your skin.
They will seal the target area with a bandage to avoid bleeding and send your blood sample to the laboratory for testing.

Finding CEA Test

Should you call for a CEA Test at home or get it done at your nearest clinic? Read more to find out what suits your comfort.

Can I Take Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test At Home?

Yes, you can. You can contact your nearest diagnostic center to call a healthcare professional and get the CEA antigen test done from the comfort of your home.

How Much Does CEA Test Cost?

The CEA test cost depends on the diagnostic center you choose to get it done. In most cases, if you have insurance coverage, it covers the expense of the test, else you can always purchase a new plan at affordable rates.

Test Results Interpretation

You received your CEA test results but still need help determining if you have antibodies in the normal range. Read this section to understand how to go about your cancer diagnosis with your healthcare professional.

What Do CEA Blood Test Results Mean?

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Blood Test is a common diagnostic tool used to detect and monitor cancer. Elevated levels of CEA in the blood can indicate cancer, especially colorectal cancer, but there are several other factors that can cause false positives. Therefore, CEA testing is usually utilized in combination with other cancer screening methods and clinical evaluations to diagnose and monitor cancer.

What Is CEA Test Normal Range?

An average CEA level is typically less than 2.5 ng/mL. However, the normal range can vary depending on the lab and the reference range used.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause High CEA Level?

Elevated levels of CEA in the blood can be a sign of cancer. Some medical conditions that can cause high CEA levels include:

Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Stomach cancer
Ovarian cancer
Liver cancer
Esophageal cancer

However, it's important to note that elevated CEA levels can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as inflammation or injury in the digestive tract, so a high CEA level does not necessarily mean cancer.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low CEA Level?

Low levels of CEA in the blood can be seen in various medical conditions, including:

Non-cancerous conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and pancreatitis
Smoking as it decreases the level of CEA in the blood
A recent surgical procedure involving the removal of a cancerous tumor
Effective cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can lower CEA levels

It's important to note that a low CEA level does not necessarily mean a person is free of cancer. Further testing, such as imaging studies and biopsies, may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Why Choose HealthcareOnTime

The HealthcareOnTime team comprises highly skilled and well-trained medical experts who can offer their services across the country. In addition to their widespread availability, they also provide home testing facilities at cost-effective prices. The experts can perform a CEA test at your preferred time and location or help you schedule an appointment at a nearby diagnostic center.

Our medical health packages are affordable, and our services are available around the clock, ready to accommodate emergency at-home testing and scans. So, take charge of your health by getting your CEA levels checked at HealthcareOnTime under the supervision of experienced medical experts.

Exclusive Service and Reporting mANAged by our Partner Diagnostic Centre:

Thyrocare Technologies Limited - India's first and most advanced Totally Automated NABL/ICMR/CAP/ISO certified Laboratory providing accurate reports with top-rated quality service since 1995. Book your test right away because we have kept the CEA test price very reasonable for all of our clients.

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