Carcinoembryonic Antigen
(CEA)

Sample type:

Serum.

Uses:

The purpose of a CEA test is to measure the presence and amount of CEA in a patient’s test sample. CEA is a type of tumor marker. A tumor marker is a substance found in the body that may be a sign of cancer or other health conditions.

Precautions:

1) Because smoking can increase CEA levels, smokers may be asked to abstain from smoking for a brief period prior to the test.

2) When a blood draw is performed, doctors use a needle to remove a sample of the blood from a patient’s arm. Antiseptic is used where the needle will be inserted to prevent infection.

Interfering Factors:

1) Smoking.

2) Some medicals before doing the test.

Pre analytical errors:

1) Citrate plasma specimen.

2) Improper labeling.

Corrective action:

1) Using serum sample.

2) Make proper labeling.

Post analytical errors:

1) Make a Wrong report result.

2) Send the report to wrong person.

3) Make incorrect calculation.

Corrective action:

1) Make a good detailed report.

2) Send the report to correct person.

3) Make correct calculation.

Reference range:

0−4.7 ng/mL; nonsmoker: <3.9 ng/mL; smoker: <5.6 ng/mL.