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Cancer Antigen-125, serum (087-3748)
Test Mnemonic:

CA-125

Specimen Requirements:
Collection:

7 mL of blood in SST or red-topped vacutainer tube.  

Minimum Volume:

3mL

Storage/Transport:

Delivered to Sample Management within 2 hours of collection.

Specimen Preparation:

Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Centrifuge to separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum from collection tube to labeled plastic transport tube. 

Stability:

Room temperature    for ≤ eight hours;   refrigerate for ≤ 48 hours. If the assay will not be completed within 48 hours, or for shipment of samples, freeze a -20°C or colder. (Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles).         

Causes for Rejection:

Incomplete and/or incorrect sample identification, improper storage/transport and gross hemolysis or lipemia.                                               

Reference Range:

 

By report (reports may vary based on instrumentation, patient age and sex).

 

Turnaround Time:

M-F: within 24 hours

Methodology:

Chemiluminescence

Performed:

Special Chemistry;   Monday through Friday: 7am – 3:30 pm

CPT 4 Code:

86161   

Note:

 CA-125 is often elevated in active epithelial and other ovarian cancers. It may be elevated in benign disorders such as pericarditis, cirrhosis, severe endometriosis, first trimester of pregnancy, and ovarian cysts.  Not available on Week-ends.

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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