Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to collection.
- Turnaround: 4-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) in your blood. HE4 is a protein mainly produced by epithelial ovarian cancer cells, although not all cases produce it, and it is directly measured from a blood sample. It can be used as a tumor marker in certain situations, primarily to help monitor epithelial ovarian cancer after treatment for signs of recurrence or disease progression. For HE4 to serve as an effective marker for this purpose, it typically needs to be elevated before treatment begins.
HE4 is often used together with CA-125 to help monitor treatment. Results may also be used, along with CA-125 and menopausal status, as part of the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), a calculation a healthcare provider may reference before surgery when evaluating a pelvic mass. This test is not intended for monitoring mucinous epithelial ovarian cancers or germ cell tumors, and it is not recommended as a screening test for asymptomatic women.
Benefits
- Tracks HE4 protein levels to help monitor epithelial ovarian cancer after treatment
- Helps identify potential recurrence or disease progression over time
- Can be paired with CA-125 for combined treatment monitoring
- Establishes a baseline HE4 level before and after treatment
- May contribute to the ROMA calculation used before surgery
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals previously diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer
- People establishing a baseline HE4 level before starting treatment
- Individuals whose provider is monitoring HE4 changes during or after treatment
- People being followed for potential recurrence or progression of epithelial ovarian cancer
- Individuals whose HE4 and CA-125 results may support a ROMA calculation before surgery
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 Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4), a protein mainly produced by epithelial ovarian cancer cells, although not all cases produce it. It may help your healthcare provider monitor epithelial ovarian cancer after treatment, checking for signs of recurrence or disease progression. HE4 is used as a tumor marker in certain situations rather than as a stand-alone screening or diagnostic tool.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
This test is generally considered for individuals who have been diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. It's often ordered before treatment begins to establish a baseline HE4 level, then periodically afterward to help monitor for changes that could suggest recurrence or progression. Your healthcare provider may track HE4 alongside CA-125 as part of this ongoing monitoring, and results are interpreted together with other clinical findings rather than on their own.
3. How does this test differ from other cancer-related tests?
Unlike tests designed for initial cancer detection, this test is used specifically as a tumor marker for monitoring epithelial ovarian cancer that has already been diagnosed and treated—it is not a screening test. HE4 results, combined with CA-125 and menopausal status, may also factor into the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), a calculation your provider may reference before surgery when evaluating a pelvic mass. This surgical-evaluation use is distinct from the ongoing monitoring role described above.
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 collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 4 to 7 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting HE4 results depends on your specific result, your medical history, your clinical context, and other relevant findings. An elevated HE4 level does not automatically confirm that cancer is present, and a normal result does not automatically rule out cancer. Results are often considered alongside CA-125 levels and other clinical evaluation. When used for monitoring, changes in HE4 over time may provide useful context, though they do not independently establish disease progression or recurrence. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider.
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 determine whether further evaluation is needed based on your full clinical picture. An abnormal result on its own does not confirm that cancer is present.
8. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual monitoring needs after treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
