Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a highly glycosylated cell surface glycoprotein involved in intercellular adhesion. Its size varies in different organs from 90 to 200 kDa, due to variable glycosylation.
CEA may be elevated in smokers and a number of benign liver, renal, lung or gastrointestinal tract conditions. Therefore CEA is not a useful screening or diagnostic test. Its main role is to monitor response to therapy and detect recurrent gastrointestinal malignancy.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
| Sample type |
Serum |
| Container |
SST |
| Precautions |
None |
| Minimum volume |
2 mL |
| Reference range |
≤5 μg/L |
| Turnaround time |
1 day |
| Method |
Abbott Architect |
Quality Assurance
UK NEQAS
