CA 19-9

Diagnostic Use

CA 19-9 is a glycoprotein most commonly measured as a tumour marker in patients with malignancies of the pancreas and hepatobiliary tree.

CA 19-9 is not suitable as a screening test for the primary diagnosis of tumours.

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

C199

Synonyms

CA19-9
Cancer Antigen 19-9

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 - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.5

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Transport to Lab

Frozen
If overnight - Frozen

Interpretation

CA 19-9 lacks sensitivity and specificity for any cancer and therefore it should not be used for screening or diagnostic purposes.  However, CA 19-9 may be monitored in a patient with a known CA19-9 secreting tumour to assess for both response to treatment and recurrence or progression of known disease.

Reference Intervals

0 – 35 kUI/L

Test Method

Paramagnetic particle, chemiluminescent immunoassay performed on Beckman Coulter DxI 800

Non-Funded Test Cost

$52.05 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9852

Contact Information

Enquiry Form