CEA

CEA tumor marker

The tumor marker CEA is a cancer-fetal antigen. Its determination is helpful in diagnosing certain cancers, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment undertaken, and when disease recurrence or metastasis is suspected. 

CEA concentration vs. cancer

The tumor marker CEA is helpful in the diagnosis of certain diseases. CEA is a cancer-fetal antigen that is present in the human body in small amounts (after birth, its production is inhibited, but it is still secreted in small amounts by the liver, intestines and pancreas).

Diagnosis is not made solely on the basis of CEA in the blood (it is one of many elements used in cancer diagnosis).

When to perform a CEA test?

The CEA test is performed when cancer is suspected - primarily of the colon and rectum. Its concentration can also rise in pancreatic, liver, intestinal, thyroid and lung cancer, but this is not common. The marker is also used to assess cancer treatment - whether it is effective and whether the disease has metastasized.

The CEA marker is also carried out after treatment to monitor the occurrence of recurrence.

CEA test

The test requires collecting a blood sample from a vein in the patient’s arm. This is performed in accordance with blood drawing procedures: disinfecting the skin, applying a tourniquet, putting pressure on the site, drawing blood from the vein into a tube, applying gauze and pressure on the puncture site.

Preparing for the CEA 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:

1. The test CEA 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.
2. Smoking may increase CEA levels, so patients may be advised to avoid smoking for some time prior to the test.
3. The test should be performed in the morning.
4. Before the test, the patient should rest for about 10 - 15 minutes (sitting position).

CEA 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.