Specimen: Blood
Results: 3-5 Business days
Description:
CA 15-3 is a blood test used to monitor response to breast cancer treatment and disease recurrence.
Elevated levels may also be seen in lung, ovarian, endometrial, bladder, gastrointestinal cancers, as well as liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), lupus, sarcoid, tuberculosis, and non-cancerous breast lesions.
Methodology:
Immunoassay (IA)
Limitations:
Benign diseases of the breast and liver may cause elevated results.
Reference Range(s):
CA 15-3 <32 U/mL
This test was performed using the Siemens (Bayer) Chemiluminescent method. Values obtained from different assay methods cannot be used interchangeably. CA 15-3 levels, regardless of value, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of disease.
Alternative Name(s):
Cancer Antigen 15-3
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.