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Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Serum

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Serum
Synonym(s)

CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3)
CA153
MUC-1
Mucin-Like Carcinoma-Associated Antigen
Test ID
CA153
General Information

Useful for:



  • Managing breast cancer patients when used in conjunction with clinical information and other diagnostic procedures

  • Serial testing to assist in early detection of disease recurrence in previously treated stage II and III breast cancer patients

  • Monitoring response to therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients

  • This test is not useful as a cancer screening test
Specimen Type

Serum
Specimen Requirements

  • Preferred: Serum Gel

  • Acceptable: Red Top
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

For 12 hours before specimen collection: do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins
Minimum Sample Volume

0.75 mL
Stability

  • Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days

  • Frozen: 90 days
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Gross hemolysis
Limitations

  • Testing for cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) should be performed in conjunction with other clinical methods used for the early detection of recurrence

  • Some patients who have been exposed to mouse antigens, whether in the environment or as part of treatment or imaging procedures, may have circulating antimouse antibodies. These antibodies may interfere with the assay reagents to produce unreliable CA 15-3 assay results

  • In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to ruthenium or streptavidin can occur.
Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Estimated TAT

1-3 days
Testing Schedule

Monday - Saturday
Retention

3 months
CPT Code(s)

86300
Reference Range

Females: < 30 U/mL
Performing Lab

Mayo Clinic
Additional Information