Serum/Plasma Tumor Marker Panel (Cancer Ag 724) – Multiplex Immunoassay
This test measures multiple tumor markers in your blood to help detect or monitor certain cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, and other solid tumors. Results may assist in screening, diagnosis, or treatment planning.
["This blood test helps track cancer progression or response to treatment by checking for specific proteins linked to cancer cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2015-6
- Short code
- CA724
- Synonyms
- Cancer Ag72-4 SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant. Plasma may be collected in lithium heparin or EDTA tubes if serum is unavailable.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 6
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
- CPT
- 86316
- SNOMED
- 115341000
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
This test measures specific substances, markers, or activity levels in your body that help your healthcare provider understand how well certain organs and systems are working. The results can help detect a health problem early, diagnose a condition, or monitor how well a treatment is working over time.
The Cancer Ag 724 panel includes several biomarkers detected through a multiplex immunoassay. These markers may include proteins like prostate-specific antigen (PSA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and others depending on the specific assay configuration. Each marker reflects different cancer types or stages, and results are interpreted by your healthcare provider in context with your medical history and symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms that need a closer look, if you have an ongoing condition that requires regular monitoring, or as part of a routine checkup to screen for potential health problems before symptoms appear.
Your doctor may order this test if you have a history of cancer, symptoms suggestive of cancer (e.g., unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent pain), or if you’re undergoing cancer surveillance or treatment monitoring. It can also be part of a general cancer screening or follow-up for known cancer types.
The test works by analyzing a small sample from your body, such as blood, urine, or tissue, or by measuring signals from your body with specialized equipment. A laboratory or testing device then compares your results with established reference ranges to show whether your values fall within the expected range.
A blood sample is drawn, and the serum or plasma is analyzed using a highly sensitive immunoassay technique. This method detects and quantifies tumor markers with high precision, allowing for early detection or monitoring of cancer activity.
Before the test, follow any instructions from your healthcare provider, which may include fasting for a set number of hours, avoiding certain foods, medications, or supplements, or drinking extra water. Tell your provider about all medications you take and any allergies you have, and plan to arrive a little early to complete any paperwork.
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed by your provider. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest after the blood draw. Avoid strenuous activity the day of the test.
Reference range
Negative: <6.0 U/mL; Equivocal: 6.0-8.0 U/mL; Positive: >8.0 U/mL (manufacturer-dependent; verify with reporting laboratory)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of biotin or after a washout period of at least 8 hours if patient is on high-dose biotin therapy (>5 mg/day), as biotin may interfere with immunoassay results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Cancer Ag 724 Panel
Frequently asked questions
How can elevated or abnormal results affect my treatment plan?
What if my results are abnormal?
Can lifestyle changes affect my test results?
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