Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3
Code:10002|CPT:86300|LOINC:6875-9
| Includes | Cancer Antigen 15-3 |
|---|
Analysis details
Methodology
- Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
- Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Special Instructions
- Use the same assay method for all serial measurements; do not compare results across different methods.
- This order code is for a single measurement; for ongoing serial monitoring, order 483404.
- Review biotin use; stop high-dose biotin for at least 72 hours before specimen collection.
- Fast for 8 hours; water is allowed.
- Avoid physical exertion and minimize emotional stress for 30 minutes before collection.
- Do not smoke for 24 hours prior to collection.
How to use
The Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) test provides a quantitative value for this tumor marker. When the same assay method is used for each draw, serial measurements support monitoring of a patient’s treatment course and overall disease status. Results from different assay platforms should not be interchanged. CA 15-3 values, by themselves, do not establish or exclude malignancy and must be interpreted alongside the clinical assessment and other diagnostic studies. Common synonyms include CA 15-3 and cancer antigen 15-3 tumor marker.
Limitations
CA 15-3 concentrations, regardless of the numerical value, do not definitively confirm or exclude malignant disease. Interpretation requires integration with the patient’s history, examination, and other diagnostic procedures. Trend analysis is most meaningful when all serial measurements are performed with the same assay, as methods can yield different numeric results. High-dose biotin may cause falsely low values in biotin–streptavidin immunoassays; specimens should be collected at least 72 hours after discontinuing such supplements to reduce the risk of biotin-related interference.
| Reference interval |
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indications | Baseline measurement and serial follow-up of CA 15-3 to track response to therapy and disease course using the same assay method., Single, quantitative determination of CA 15-3 when a one-time assessment is requested., Adjunctive use with clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures; not intended to diagnose malignancy. |
Possible Causes of Abnormal Results
Decreased levels
- biotin
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen | Serum |
|---|---|
| Container | Gold/Tiger Top (SST, Gel Separator) |
| Volume | 1 mL (min 0.7 mL) |
| Storage Instructions | Room temperature, Refrigerated, Frozen |
References
Hayes DF, Zurawski VR Jr, Kufe DW. Comparison of circulating CA 15-3 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1986;4(10):1542-50. PubMed 2428949.
Strausberg RL. Cancer Genomics: Disease Markers. IOS Press, 2002.
Shi, Shan-Rong; Taylor, Clive R. Antigen Retrieval Immunohistochemistry Based Research and Diagnostics. Wiley Dewey, 2010.
Hayat MA. Methods of Cancer Diagnosis, Therapy, and Prognosis. Springer Dewey, 2010.
Ouyang DL, Chen JJ, Getzenberg RH, Schoen RE. Noninvasive testing for colorectal cancer: a review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100:1393-403.
Atkin W. Options for screening for colorectal cancer. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2003;237:13-6.
Lamberti C, Sauerbruch T. Early diagnosis of colorectal tumours. Internist (Berlin). 2005;46:401-10.
Clark SK, Carpenter S, Broughton CI, Marks CG. Surveillance of individuals at intermediate risk of colorectal cancer: the impact of new guidelines. Colorectal Dis. 2003;5:582-4.