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Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Serum or Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This blood test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein that may be produced by certain types of cancer cells, including those in the colon, pancreas, or breast.

Quick summary

["CEA helps monitor cancer progression or response to treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
24865-8
Short code
CT Pelvis
Synonyms
CT Pelvis
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ct
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

What Is Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Used For?

CEA is primarily used as a tumor marker to detect or track certain cancers. It may be ordered during cancer screening, diagnosis, or to check how well treatment is working. However, CEA alone is not enough to diagnose cancer—it’s often used alongside other tests and imaging.

Who Might Need a CEA Test?

Your doctor may recommend a CEA test if you have a history of cancer (especially colorectal, pancreatic, or breast cancer), symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits, or if you’re undergoing cancer treatment to monitor progress.

How Is the CEA Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to measure CEA levels. Results are typically available within a few days.

What Do CEA Results Mean?

Higher-than-normal CEA levels may suggest cancer or other conditions affecting the liver or lungs. However, CEA can also rise in non-cancerous conditions, so results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your medical history.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CEA Level

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor ask for a CEA test?
Your doctor may order a CEA test to check for early signs of cancer recurrence, evaluate treatment effectiveness, or monitor symptoms in people at higher risk. It’s not a definitive test on its own but can help guide further testing.
What are the most common causes of elevated CEA levels?
Elevated CEA can occur in cancer but also in conditions like chronic lung disease, liver disease, or certain infections. Always discuss your results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your full health picture.
Can diet or lifestyle affect CEA levels?
Diet and lifestyle factors may influence CEA levels indirectly (e.g., smoking or chronic lung disease), but CEA itself isn’t directly affected by diet. Your doctor will review other factors when interpreting results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy