CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a protein that is often found in the blood of people with certain types of cancer. The CEA blood test is a medical test used to measure the level of CEA in the blood. This test is commonly used as a tumor marker for cancers that affect the colon and rectum.
The CEA test is often used to monitor the progression of cancer, as well as to check for recurrence after treatment. It can also be used to screen people who are at high risk for colon cancer.
The test is usually performed in a laboratory on a blood sample. A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in the arm to collect the blood sample. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The normal range for CEA in the blood is usually less than 5 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) for non-smokers and less than 10 ng/mL for smokers. Elevated levels of CEA in the blood can indicate the presence of cancer, although other conditions can also cause elevated levels.
It is important to note that a positive CEA test does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer, and a negative test does not necessarily mean that a person is cancer-free. Other tests and imaging studies may be needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
In addition to its use as a tumor marker, the CEA test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment. If a person’s CEA level decreases after treatment, it may be a sign that the treatment is working. Conversely, an increase in CEA level may indicate that the cancer is growing or that the treatment is not effective.
Overall, the CEA blood test is a useful tool for monitoring certain types of cancer and evaluating treatment effectiveness. It is important to discuss the results of this test with a healthcare professional, who can provide guidance on next steps and interpretation of the results.
