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Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9, Blood

Carbohydrate Antigen, Cancer Antigen-GI, GI Cancer Antigen, Cancer Antigen 19-9, CA 19-9, Serum

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB7770, Beaker:CA199, Antrim: 19587

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL)

Contact the Laboratory for acceptability of other tube types.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let SST specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged SST tube within two hours of collection.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged SST tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Plasma specimens.
• Severely hemolyzed specimens.
• Specimens submitted at room temperature.
• Red-top tubes with serum not separated from cells within two hours of collection.

In-Lab Processing

Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge SST tubes or Microtainers^® to separate serum from cells. Deliver immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 5 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 5 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 5 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory

Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Results available within 24 hours of testing.

Reference Range

Less than 37.0 U/mL.

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay.

Interpretation

• The CA 19-9 assay value, regardless of the level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.
• Patients must possess the ability to express the Lewis blood group antigen or they will be unable to produce the CA 19-9 antigen.
• This test should NOT be used for screening and should NOT be used interchangeably with other assay methods.

Clinical Utility

• CA 19-9 is useful in monitoring pancreatic, hepatobiliary, gastric, hepatocellular, and colorectal cancer.
• May be used for differentiating patients with cholangiocarcinoma and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) from those with PSC alone.

CPT Codes

86301
LOINC: 24108-3

Contacts

Last Updated

10/18/2024