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- CA-125, Second Generation Assay
Special Instructions
Values obtained with different assay methodologies should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor a patient's course of therapy. This procedure does not provide serial monitoring; it is intended for one-time use only. If serial monitoring is required, please use the serial monitoring number 480061 to order.
This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Patient Preparation
It is suggested that the assay not be performed until at least three weeks after the completion of primary chemotherapy and at least two months following abdominal surgery.
Causes for Rejection
Citrate plasma specimen; improper labeling
Test Details
Use
The Elecsys CA 125 II assay is labeled "For in vitro diagnostic use" in the manufacturer's package insert.1
Limitations
The measured CA 125 value of a patient's sample can vary depending on the test procedure used. The laboratory finding must, therefore, always contain a statement on the CA 125 assay method used. CA 125 values determined on patient samples by different test procedures cannot be directly compared with one another and could cause erroneous medical interpretations.
As with all tests containing monoclonal mouse antibodies, erroneous findings may be obtained from samples taken from patients who have been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or have received them for diagnostic purposes.1 In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibody to streptavidin and ruthenium can occur. The test contains additives that minimize these effects.1
For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient's medical history, clinical examination, and other findings.
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Reference Interval
• Female: 0.0−38.1 units/mL
• Male: Not established
Additional Information
This immunoassay is intended for the in vitro quantitative determination of OC 125 reactive determinants in human serum and plasma.1 The Elecsys CA 125 II assay is indicated for use as an aid in the detection of residual or recurrent ovarian carcinoma in patients who have undergone first-line therapy and would be considered for second-look procedures.1 The Elecsys CA 125 II assay is further indicated for serial measurement of CA 125 to aid in the management of cancer patients.1 CA 125 belongs to the family of hybridoma-defined tumor markers. The values measured are defined by the use of the monoclonal antibody (MAb) OC 125. The antigenic determinant CA 125 is located on a high-molecular weight glycoprotein (200-1000 kd) isolated from cell culture or serum. The antigenic determination CA 125 has a protein structure with associated carbohydrate side-chains.2,3 These determinants are associated with a high-molecular weight glycoprotein in serum and plasma of women with primary epithelial invasive ovarian cancer (excluding those with cancer of low malignant potential).
CA 125 is found in a high percentage of nonmucinous ovarian tumors of epithelial origin4 and can be detected in serum.5,6 It does not occur on the surface epithelium of normal ovaries (adult and fetal). Ovarian carcinoma accounts for about 20% of gynecologic tumors; the incidence is 15/100,000.7 CA 125 has been found in the amniotic fluid and in the coelomic epithelium; both of these tissues are of fetal origin. In tissues of adult origin, the presence of CA 125 has been demonstrated in the epithelium of the oviduct, in the endometrium, and in the endocervix.8
Elevated values are sometimes found in various benign gynecologic diseases, such as ovarian cysts, ovarian metaplasia, endometriosis, uterus myomatous, or cervicitis. Slight elevations of this marker may also occur in early pregnancy and in various benign diseases (eg, acute and chronic pancreatitis, benign gastrointestinal diseases, renal insufficiency, autoimmune diseases, and others). Markedly elevated levels have been found in benign liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. Extreme elevations can occur in any kind of ascites due to malignant and benign diseases. Although the highest CA 125 values occur in patients suffering from ovarian carcinoma, clearly elevated values are also observed in malignancies of the endometrium, breast, gastrointestinal tract, and various other malignancies.
Although CA 125 is a relatively unspecific marker,9-13 it is today the most important tumor marker for monitoring therapy and progress of patients with serous ovarian carcinoma. At primary diagnosis, the sensitivity of CA 125 depends on the FIGO stage (FIGO = Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics); higher tumor stages are associated with higher CA 125 levels.14
The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Elecsys CA 125 II test was calculated by comparing ovarian carcinoma patients at primary diagnosis (FIGO stage I to IV) with patients suffering from benign gynecologic diseases.1
At a cutoff value of 65 U/mL, the sensitivity is 79% (at a low specificity of 82%). The cutoff level has to be raised if higher specificity is desired. The optimal clinical value is reached at 150 U/mL (sensitivity 69%, specificity 93%).1
Footnotes
1. CA 125 on Elecsys 1010/2010 and Modular Analytics E170, [Package insert]. 2007-08, VII, Indianapolis, Ind: Roche Diagnostics; 2007.
2. Davis HM, Zurawski VR Jr, Bast RC Jr, Klug TL. Characterization of the CA 125 antigen associated with human epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Cancer Res. 1986 Dec; 46(12 Pt 1):6143-6148. 2430690
3. Diamandis EP, Fritsche HA, Lilja H, et al. Tumor Markers: Physiology, Pathobiology, Technology, and Clinical Applications. 1st ed. Washington, DC: AACC Press; 2002.
4. Kabawat SE, Bast RC, Welch WR, Knapp RC, Colvin RB. Immunopathologic characterization of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes common surface antigens of human ovarian tumors of serous, endometrioid, and clear cell types. Am J Clin Pathol. 1983 Jan; 79(1):98-104. 6336888
5. Bast RC Jr, Klug TL, St John E, et al. A radioimmunoassay using a monoclonal antibody to monitor the course of epithelial ovarian cancer. N Engl J Med. 1983 Oct 13; 309(15):883-887. 6310399
6. Klug TL, Bast RC Jr, Niloff JM, Knapp RC, Zurawski VR Jr. Monoclonal antibody immunoradiometric assay for an antigenic determinant (CA 125) associated with human epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Cancer Res. 1984 Mar; 44(3):1048-1053. 6198078
7. Hasholzner U, Baumgartner L, Stieber P, Meier W, Hofmann K, Fateh-Maghadam A. Significance of the tumour markers CA 125 II, CA 72-4, CASA, and CYFRA 21-1 In ovarian carcinoma. Anticancer Res. 1994 Nov-Dec; 14(6B):2743-2746. 7532929
8. Kabawat SE, Bast RC Jr, Bhan AK, Welch WR, Knapp RC, Colvin RB. Tissue distribution of a coelomic epithelium-related antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody OC 125. Int J Gyn Path. 1983; 2(3):275-285. 6196309
9. Daoud E, Bodor G. CA-125 concentrations in malignant and nonmalignant disease. Clin Chem. 1991 Nov; 37(11):1968-1974. 1934471
10. Kenemans P, Bon GG, Kessler A, Verstraeten AA, van Kamp GJ. Multicenter technical and clinical evaluation of a fully automated enzyme immunoassay for CA 125. Clin Chem. 1992 Aug; 38(8 Pt 1):1466-1471. 1643716
11. Hasholzner U, Stieber P, Baumgartner L, et al. Methodological and clinical evaluation of three automatized CA 125 assays compared with CA 125 II RIA (Fujirebio). Tumordiagn Ther. 1994; 15:114-117.
12. Ruibal A, Encabo G, Martinéz-Miralles E, et al. CA 125 seric levels In nonmalignant pathologies. Bull Cancer. 1984; 71(2):145-146. 6203578
13. Zahner J, Schmitz FJ, Schmitz G, et al. CA 125—ein tumor marker in der inneren medizin. Lab Med. 1995; 19:185-188.
14. Stieber P, Fateh-Moghadam A. Sensible Use of Tumor Markers. Marloffstein-Rathsberg: Juergen Hartmann Verlag;1993. Boehringer Mannheim, Catalogue N° 1536869 (Engl), 1320947 (German). ISBN 3-926725-07-9 German/English.
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 002303 | Cancer Antigen (CA) 125 | 10334-1 | 002321 | Cancer Antigen (CA) 125 | U/mL | 10334-1 |
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