Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

What it measures

CEA is a glycoprotein made in fetal gut tissue and by some adult tumours. It is used mainly to monitor colorectal cancer after surgery and during treatment, not for screening.

Specimen and preparation

• Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
• Tube: Gold top
• Preparation: Record smoking status.

Reference range

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

• Colorectal cancer
• Other adenocarcinomas (pancreas, stomach, lung, breast)
• Medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Smoking
• Inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis, pancreatitis

Method

Chemiluminescent immunoassay

Good to know

A preoperative baseline is useful; persistently rising levels after surgery suggest recurrence.

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