Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to collection.
- Turnaround: 1- 4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of CA 19-9 in your blood. CA 19-9 is an antigen, a substance that can stimulate your immune system, and it is released into the blood by some cancer cell types. Because CA 19-9 can provide information related to cancer, it is classified as a tumor marker. This test is not used as a screening test for cancer.
CA 19-9 levels are most often elevated due to pancreatic cancer, though other cancers and conditions can also raise levels, including gallbladder and bile duct cancers (cholangiocarcinoma), colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, bile duct obstruction (such as from gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and thyroid or liver disease. This test is most often used in connection with pancreatic cancer, though it may also be used in connection with other cancers.
Benefits
- Helps assess whether cancer has returned after treatment.
- May assist a diagnosis when combined with other tests.
- Supports monitoring during ongoing cancer treatment.
- Helps track the effectiveness or progression of cancer treatment.
- Provides a blood-based measurement your provider can review over time.
Who Is This Test For?
- People currently undergoing cancer treatment.
- People who have completed cancer treatment and want to check for recurrence.
- People whose provider is monitoring the effectiveness or progression of treatment.
- People with a cancer risk related to symptoms or family history, as part of a broader diagnostic workup.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures CA 19-9, an antigen released into the blood by some cancer cell types, which makes it a tumor marker. It may help a healthcare provider evaluate cancer recurrence after treatment, monitor the effectiveness or progression of cancer treatment, or, together with other tests, assist in a diagnosis. This test is not used as a cancer screening test. An abnormal result does not confirm cancer, and a normal result does not rule out cancer.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should I order it?
This test may be appropriate for people currently undergoing cancer treatment, to help their provider monitor how the treatment is working or progressing. It may also be appropriate for people who have completed treatment and want to check whether the cancer has returned. If you have a cancer risk related to symptoms or family history, your provider may use this test together with other tests as part of a broader diagnostic workup. This test does not replace clinical evaluation.
3. How does this test differ from other cancer-related tests?
This test specifically measures the CA 19-9 antigen in blood. It is most closely associated with pancreatic cancer, though it can also be elevated by other cancers, including gallbladder and bile duct cancers (cholangiocarcinoma), colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer, as well as noncancerous conditions such as bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and thyroid or liver disease. Rather than functioning as a screening test, it is used to support post-treatment recurrence checks, treatment monitoring, and diagnosis when combined with other tests.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. You should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to your blood collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1 to 4 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your CA 19-9 result depends on your specific level, your medical history, your clinical context, and other relevant findings. An elevated level does not automatically confirm that cancer is present, since noncancerous conditions such as bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and thyroid or liver disease can also raise levels. A result within the expected range does not automatically rule out cancer. Your provider may consider this result alongside other laboratory findings, imaging, or clinical evaluation. If your provider is using this test to monitor treatment effectiveness or progression, changes in your level over time may provide useful context without guaranteeing a specific clinical conclusion.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review an abnormal result with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate based on your full clinical picture and the noncancerous factors described above that can also raise this marker.
8. How often should I get tested?
How often you should be tested depends on your individual situation and the reason your provider ordered this test, such as monitoring treatment or checking for recurrence. Follow the testing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to your blood collection.
