Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Pleural Fluid
Use
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing in pleural fluid is used as an adjunct to cytology and imaging to differentiate between malignant and nonmalignant causes of pleural effusions. Elevated CEA concentrations in pleural effusions can aid in diagnosing malignancies such as lung, breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, and colorectal cancers, where CEA is typically secreted. However, malignancies like mesothelioma and lymphoma that do not secrete CEA show levels comparable to nonmalignant effusions. It is crucial to correlate CEA levels with cytological and imaging findings since CEA is not exclusive for malignancy diagnosis.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing has limited diagnostic utility when used as the sole test for malignancy, as it is not specific to malignant conditions. Elevated CEA levels can also occur in certain nonmalignant conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and tuberculosis, which can complicate diagnosis. Some malignancies do not secrete CEA, leading to lower or non-detectable CEA levels in pleural effusions; therefore, negative results should be cautiously interpreted. The presence of human anti-mouse antibodies or other heterophile antibodies can potentially interfere with assay results, necessitating careful correlation with clinical findings.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Other)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 19169-2 - CEA Plr-mCnc
- 19169-2 - CEA Plr-mCnc
- 39111-0 - Bdy site
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |