Sample stability:
-
7 days at 20-25 o C
-
14 days at 2-8 o C
-
6 months at -20 o C
Units: ug/L
| Reference range : < 3.0 (non smokers) |
Approximately 13% of otherwise healthy smokers have CEA levels of up to 5.0 ug/L
Uncertainty of Measurement : 6%
Principle: Sandwich type immunoassay with chemiluminescence detection
Reagents: Roche e-pack CEA
Analyser: Cobas e801
This is a non-specific test which may be increased in both benign and malignant diseases.
It is therefore of limited use for diagnosis.
Its main value is for monitoring patients with tumours which secrete CEA. Levels fall with successful treatment and a rise may indicate tumour recurrence.
CEA may be elevated with the following carcinomas:
- Colorectal (70%)
- Pancreatic (55%)
- Gastric (50%)
- Lung (45%)
- Breast (40%)
- Uterine (40%)
- Ovarian (25%)
Benign conditions causing elevated CEA include:
- Cirrhosis (45%)
- Emphysema (30%)
- Rectal polyps (5%)
- Benign breast disease (15%)
- Ulcerative colitis (15%)
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427