Test Entry - Detail

CA15-3


General
  Clinical Use: CA15-3 is a breast cancer associated antigen. It is increased in 8-20% of patients with localised breast cancer and in 70-90% with metastatic breast cancer. It is also increased in cancers of lung, uterus, stomach and other organs, and in patients with benign breast and liver diseases. CA15-3 is a useful tumour marker in monitoring the clinical course of patients after definitive surgery for breast cancer. It is more sensitive and specific than carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In one study localised recurrence of breast cancer resulted in increased CA15-3 in less than 10% of patients. CA15-3 increased before metastatic disease was diagnosed in 71% of patients - the mean lead time was 9.5 months. However, in 29% of patients there was no increase in CA15-3 at the time of diagnosis of metastatic disease - a normal CA15-3, therefore, does not exclude the development of metastatic disease.
  Availability: Samples are tested Monday-Saturday.
 
  Code: C153
  Handling Instructions (to laboratory): Send sample chilled.
  Hyperlink:
  Reference Interval:
<31 kU/L


Collection Requirements
  Container: Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD),  
  Sample Type: See container
  Minimum Collection Volume: 1mL
  Collection Instructions:


Processing Requirements
  Alternate Containers:
Lithium Heparin-PST (GREEN)
  Processing Instructions:
  Minimum Assay Volume: 250uL
  Stability: 1 week chilled; 2 months frozen
  Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory): Send sample chilled.


Testing Locations
  Performed at:
Section Department Site Contact Phone
Core Biochemistry Fiona Stanley Hospital 6152 8140
Core Biochemistry QEII Medical Centre 6383 4093


Last Updated : 03-10-2020 08:09