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)
Acceptable
Serum (Red Cap)
SST II (Gold Cap)
Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Lithium Heparin - Gel (Green Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
6.0
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1.5
Aliquot Instructions
Sample Type
Serum
Plasma
Transport to Lab
Frozen
If overnight - Frozen
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
