Carbohydrate Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) blood test
Normal Reference Range
0 – 30 U/mL
Test Information
Carbohydrate Antigen-153 is expressed in some cancers (predominantly breast, though primary tumours of the, lung, colon, pancreas, liver and endometrium may also give rise to elevations of CA-153.) Several benign conditions may also cause increased levels: notably cirrhosis, hepatitis, some autoimmune-mediated disease and benign conditions of the ovary or breast.
Clinical Indications
Diagnostic of breast cancer (raised in 30% of localised disease, 75% metastasised)
Prognostic indicator in established breast cancer / monitoring treatment effectiveness/ ?relapse
Sample Required
5mL serum sample blood tube is required for CA-153 blood test
Min. sample volume
1.0mL
Special Instructions and Precautions
Not applicable
Time Limits For Retrospective Testing
5 days
Any factors affecting the test
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
6 hrs
Referral centre (if applicable)
Details of referral laboratory available on request
Test Code
C153