Test Details
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Result 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.
Use
Quantitative measurement of cancer antigen 15-3
Special Instructions
Values obtained with different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor each 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 483404 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.
Limitations
The CA 15-3 assay value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease. The CA 15-3 assay value should be used in conjunction with information available from clinical evaluation and diagnostic procedure.
References
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 Instructions
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
0.0−25.0 units/mL
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Citrate plasma specimen; improper labeling
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143404 | Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3 | 6875-9 | 143413 | Cancer Antigen 15-3 | U/mL | 6875-9 |
| Order Code | 143404 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3 | |||||
| Order Loinc | 6875-9 | |||||
| Result Code | 143413 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Cancer Antigen 15-3 | |||||
| UofM | U/mL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 6875-9 |