Cancer Antigen (CA) 125 Serum Test
Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is a protein found in ovarian cancer cells. A CA-125 blood test measures the amount of cancer antigen 125 in the bloodstream. The protein is produced by the cells and can be found in the blood.
Also Known As:
Cancer Antigen or CA125, Serum Test; OC125, Cancer Antigen 125, Ovarian Antigen CA-125, Second Generation Assay, Glycoprotein Antigen
Methodology:
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Preparation:
No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. It is recommended that collection for the CA-125 test occur at least 3 weeks after primary chemotherapy and at least two months following abdominal surgery.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling LabCorp tests to residents in the following states:NY, NJ, RI, MA, MD
Also Known As:
Cancer Antigen or CA125, Serum Test; OC125, Cancer Antigen 125, Ovarian Antigen CA-125, Second Generation Assay, Glycoprotein Antigen
Methodology:
Immunoassay (IA)
Preparation:
No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. It is recommended that collection for the CA-125 test occur at least 3 weeks after primary chemotherapy and at least two months following abdominal surgery.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling Quest tests to residents in the following states:AZ, NY, NJ, RI
During and after treatment, a blood test CA-125 can be used to monitor ovarian cancer. In some cases, early signs of ovarian cancer can be checked in women at high risk for the disease. A CA-125 blood test, however, is not sufficiently accurate to detect ovarian cancer in all women because many different conditions can cause abnormal CA-125 levels.
These conditions include:
- pregnancy
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- normal menstruation
- endometriosis
- endometrial and fallopian tube cancers
- noncancerous growths in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids
- cancer of the pancreas
The progression of ovarian cancer is often monitored by a CA-125 blood test. Baseline CA-125 levels are measured prior to ovarian cancer treatment. A decline in CA-125 levels during and after treatment usually indicates successful treatment. Increases in CA-125 levels after treatment may mean the disease recurrence.
A CA-125 blood test is used for men and women but is most often ordered for women for ovarian cancer-related testing.
