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HelpTest Code LAB1950 Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), Plasma or Serum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CARBOHYD AG 19-9 | LAB1950 | CA199 |
Test Alias
CA19-9; CA 199; Carbohydrate Ag 19-9
Useful For/Utility
To be used as an aid in the management of pancreatic cancer patients with detectable levels of CA 19-9 at some point in their disease process and in conjunction with other clinical methods.
Methodology
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)
Clinical Information
Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a modified Lewis(a) blood group antigen. CA 19-9 may be elevated in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies such as cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, or colon cancer.
Benign conditions such as cirrhosis, cholestasis, and pancreatitis also result in elevated serum CA 19-9 concentrations but in these cases values usually are below 1000 U/mL.
Individuals that are Lewis negative (5%-7% of the population) do not express CA 19-9 due to the lack of the enzyme fucosyltransferase needed for CA 19-9 production. In these individuals, a low or undetectable serum CA 19-9 concentration is not informative regarding cancer recurrence.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.15 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
2. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.15 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
2. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 8 hours OK/Frozen OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry -
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
86301
Reference Values
0-30 IU/mL