CA 125

Diagnostic Use

CA125 is a glycoprotein most commonly measured as a tumour marker in patients with ovarian cancer.

Occasionally CA125 may be measured in combination with human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) to calculate the ROMA score which is used to assess the likelihood that an adnexal mass is malignant.

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

CA25

Synonyms

Cancer Antigen 125 (NEW)

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

6.0

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Green Cap)

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Transport to Lab

Frozen
If overnight - Frozen

Interpretation

CA125 lacks sensitivity and specificity for any cancer and therefore it should not be used for screening or diagnostic purposes.  However, CA125 may be monitored in a patient with a known CA125-secreting tumour (usually ovarian cancer) to assess for both response to treatment and recurrence or progression of known disease.

In addition to ovarian cancer, other cancers which may secrete CA125 include endometrial,cervical, liver and breast cancer.

 

Reference Intervals

0 – 35 kIU/L

Test Method

Paramagnetic particle, chemiluminescent immunoassay performed on Beckman Coulter DxI 800

Non-Funded Test Cost

$38.76 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9847

Contact Information

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