Serum/Plasma Antigen 2729 (e.g., Tumor-Associated Antigen or Cancer Marker)
This test measures specific proteins or antigens in your blood that may be linked to certain cancers or cancer-related conditions. It helps healthcare providers monitor for early signs of cancer or track treatment progress.
["This test may help detect or assess cancer presence or response to treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2012-3
- Short code
- CA27-29
- Synonyms
- Cancer Ag27-29 SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, red-top with gel separator) or plain red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 38
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), or radioimmunoassay (RIA))
- CPT
- 86316
- SNOMED
- 115341004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test identifies particular substances (antigens) that could be produced by cancer cells or associated with cancer progression. These markers may not be specific to one type of cancer but can provide clues about overall cancer activity in your body.
Why It’s Ordered
Doctors may order this test during cancer screening, diagnosis, or ongoing monitoring. It can be used alongside other tests to guide treatment decisions or evaluate how well a patient is responding to therapy.
Common Uses in Healthcare
This test is often used in research or specialized clinical settings to support cancer detection, staging, or surveillance. It may also be part of a broader panel of tests for certain cancer types.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed unless instructed by your healthcare provider. You may have a blood draw, and the sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually reported as a qualitative (positive/negative) or semi-quantitative result.
Reference range
Generally <38 U/mL is considered normal in healthy adults; values may vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer. Elevated levels may be seen in breast, pancreatic, gastric, and other malignancies as well as in benign conditions.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Inform the physician of any medications, recent imaging studies involving contrast media, or underlying medical conditions (e.g., liver disease, pregnancy) that may influence results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test may not be a definitive cancer diagnosis on its own but can serve as a biomarker to help assess cancer risk, monitor disease progression, or guide treatment strategies. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall medical history and symptoms.
Short name
Cancer Marker Screening (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Could this test detect all types of cancer?
How often will I need this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy