Serum CA 19-9

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Serum CA 19-9 Test

To help tell the difference between cancer of the pancreas and bile ducts and other conditions; to monitor response to pancreatic cancer treatment and to watch for recurrence.

When this Serum CA 19-9 test is required

CA 19-9 may be requested along with other tests, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), bilirubin, and/or liver function tests, when a patient has symptoms that may indicate pancreatic cancer, including abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and jaundice.If CA 19-9 is initially elevated in pancreatic cancer, then it may be requested several times during cancer treatment to monitor response and, on a regular basis following treatment, to help detect recurrence of the cancer.

What the Serum CA 19-9 Test Detects

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is a protein that is produced by the tumour cells, making it useful as a tumour marker to follow the course of the cancer.CA 19-9 is elevated in most patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers and diseases such as bowel cancer, lung cancer and gall bladder cancer, as well as in benign diseases such as gall stones, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Because elevated levels of CA 19-9 are seen in many diseases, elevated levels do not necessary mean the presence of pancreatic cancer. Very small amounts of CA19-9 may also be found in healthy patients.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Serum CA 19-9 Test

No test preparation is needed

Sample Requirements

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.

Additional Notes

Unfortunately, early pancreatic cancer gives few warnings. By the time a patient has symptoms and elevated levels of CA 19-9, their pancreatic cancer is usually at an advanced stage.

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