Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) – Serum
This test measures the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein that may appear in higher amounts in some cancers and certain health conditions.
["CEA helps monitor cancer progression or response to treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50314-4
- Short code
- CK 19 Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- CK 19 Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- CPT
- 82553
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a CEA test to check for signs of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, or to monitor existing cancer. It can also help track how well treatment is working or if cancer has returned.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed for CEA levels using an immunoassay method.
What Are Common Results and Next Steps?
Results are not always straightforward because CEA levels can vary based on health, diet, and other factors. Your provider will discuss the results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
What Might High or Low Levels Mean?
Elevated CEA levels may suggest certain cancers or other conditions, but they are not definitive on their own. Low levels might indicate remission or absence of cancer, but they can also be influenced by other factors.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: CEA is a tumor marker often used in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and follow-up. While it can indicate colorectal cancer, it is not specific to any one type of cancer and may also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions like chronic inflammation or smoking.
Short name
CEA Blood Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a CEA test measure?
How often should I get a CEA test if I have cancer?
Can diet or lifestyle affect CEA levels?
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