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CEA, or Carcinoembryonic Antigen, is a protein that is produced by some types of cancer cells. Elevated levels of CEA in the blood can indicate the presence of certain cancers, but it can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions.
Here are some general guidelines to prepare for a CEA blood test:
Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications can affect the results of the test, so your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test.
Other medical conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of cancer or are currently being treated for cancer.
Sample collection: A healthcare professional will collect a sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor to know the specific instructions for the CEA blood test.
It is recommended:
- To check cancer treatment (like colon, pancreas, breast, lung, ovarian, or medullary thyroid cancer), including response to therapy and recurrence
- As the indicator of the level of cancer or size of tumour present (tumour burden)
- As a follow-up to a positive screening test for cancer: to compare the values to whether the level falls to normal (indicating that the cancer was all likely removed) after cancer treatment
- To assist in cancer staging
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is prescribed by your doctor after a complete assessment of your conditions.
You will get the reports within 15 hours after the collection of the blood sample.
This test requires a blood sample, which can be collected at a diagnostic lab or at home with a home blood collection kit.
Fasting is not required for this test.