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.
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FAQs Around Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test
What level of CEA indicates cancer?
The CEA test normal range falls between 0 to 2.5 ng/mL, but if your CEA test results are above 2.5 ng/mL, it might indicate cancer.
Is CEA a reliable tumor marker?
A CEA test can be used as a tumor marker to monitor the disease status of certain cancers. Still, it is not considered a reliable marker for all cancers. The reliability of CEA as a tumor marker depends on factors like the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the individual patient’s biology.
What happens if CEA is high?
If your blood shows high levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), it may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer, like colorectal, pancreatic, or lung cancer. However, it’s not always true, and it can also trigger due to smoking, inflammation, and certain medical conditions.
Does a high CEA always mean cancer?
A high CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) level doesn’t always indicate cancer. CEA is a protein produced by certain types of cancer, but non-cancerous conditions like inflammation can also generate it. Elevated levels of CEA can also be seen in people who smoke or use tobacco.
Does CEA detect all cancers?
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is not a comprehensive cancer screening test and cannot detect all cancers. It is a specific blood test used to monitor only certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
