CA 15-3-3551
Test info
Cancer antigen 15-3
Cancer antigen, breast
Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is used to monitor response to breast cancer treatment and disease recurrence.
The test method changed on 1/3/2023. If this test has been used for serial monitoring, rebaselining is recommended. Rebaselining consists of 2 measurements, collected 3-6 weeks apart.
The Roche Elecsys CEA assay is an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay "ECLIA" performed on the Roche Cobas "e" immunoassy analyzers.
Values obtained with different assay methods may be different and cannot be used interchangeably.
Biotin supplements may cause clinically significant interference for this test assay. If interference is suspected, it is strongly recomended that biotin is discontinued for at least one week prior to retesting
Specimen
Immediately following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times
- Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
- Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Lithium heparin (Li hep) plasma
Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gently inverting 8 - 10 times
Red:
- Allow sample to clot
- Spin
- Transfer serum to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as serum, within two (2) hours of sample collection
Lt green:
- Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
Refrigerated (preferred) - 5 days
Ambient - 2 days
Frozen - 90 days
- Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
- Hemolysis (some procedures)
- Improper anticoagulant or ratio
- Delay in transport
- Improper storage temperature affecting results
- Improper container
- Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
- Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Performance
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Clinical and Interpretive info
< 26.0 U/mL