CA 125

CA 125 study what is it about?

CA 125 is an antigenic protein that is a tumor marker. Its concentration is particularly high in women with ovarian cancer, when there is uncontrolled growth of ovarian cells. Most commonly, CA 125 is used in cases of diagnosed ovarian cancer to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. CA 125 determination can also be helpful in women at risk for ovarian cancer for early detection of cancerous changes. In addition to CA 125, HE-4 marker determinations are used - their combined evaluation (the so-called ROMA algorithm) allows for greater diagnostic precision.

An elevated CA 125 concentration is usually observed in people:

• with epithelial ovarian cancer,
• with breast cancer,
• with uterine cancer,
• with cancer of the fallopian tube,
• with esophageal cancer,
• with stomach cancer,
• with liver cancer,
• with pancreatic cancer,

Not in all cases does an elevated marker level mean cancer. For non-cancerous diseases, elevated CA 125 levels are seen in people with: cirrhosis, ascites, pleural or pericardial effusion, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and uterine fibroids.

There is no evidence of elevated CA 125 levels in people with: cirrhosis, ascites, pleural or pericardial effusion, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and uterine fibroids

An elevated CA 125 level is also observed during pregnancy and menstruation.

CA 125 preparation and test

The CA 125 test does not require any special preparation. The patient does not need to be fasting.

The test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in the patient’s arm.

This is done according to the blood drawing procedure:

• skin disinfection,
• applying a tourniquet,
• putting pressure on the puncture site,
• collecting blood from the ulnar vein into a test tube,
• applying a gauze and pressure to the puncture site.

Preparing for the test

• The test consists of collecting blood into an EDTA tube in accordance with blood drawing procedures, disinfecting the skin, applying a tourniquet, and putting pressure on the site after the procedure, which lasts a few minutes.
• The blood drawing procedure takes several seconds.

  If the patient does not follow pre-test instructions, results may not be valid

  The test should be performed in the morning.

  Get your blood drawn at home - purchase a home visit together with the test.

  Required preparation:

  • The test does not require any special preparation. The patient does not need to be fasting. However, it is recommended that the patient refrains from eating immediately prior to the test. Drinking small amounts of water in the morning is allowed.
  • The test should be performed in the morning.
  • Before the test, the patient should rest for about 10 - 15 minutes (sitting position).

  CA 125 test results

  • Results are available within 3 business days.
  • You may collect your results at the reception desk of a chosen Medicover Centre.
  • You may access your results via Medicover Online (you must first collect the password to access your results at the Medicover Centre reception desk).

  Results must be discussed with your doctor.