CA 15-3

Diagnostic Use

CA 15-3 is a glycoprotein most commonly measured as a tumour marker in patients with breast cancer.

CA 15-3 is not suitable as a screening test for the primary diagnosis of tumours.

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

C153

Synonyms

CA15-3
Cancer Antigen 15-3

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

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

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

6.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1.5

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

1.0

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Separate plasma/serum from red cells ASAP. Freeze (-20 deg C) if > 48 hours

Interpretation

CA 15-3 lacks sensitivity and specificity for any cancer and therefore it should not be used for screening or diagnostic purposes.  However, CA 15-3 may be monitored in a patient with a known CA15-3 secreting tumour (usually breast cancer) to assess for both response to treatment and recurrence or progression of known disease.

Reference Intervals

0 – 24 kIU/L

Test Method

Paramagnetic particle, chemiluminescent immunoassay performed on Beckman Coulter DxI 800

Non-Funded Test Cost

$24.93 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9850

Contact Information

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