Carcino embrogenic antigen test Uttarakhand

CARCINO-EMBRYONIC ANTIGEN TEST

DESCRIPTION

Carcino-embryogenic antigen (CEA) is a protein found in the tissues of a developing baby. CEA levels normally become very low or disappear after birth. Healthy adults should have very little or no CEA in their body. This test measures the amount of CEA in their body. This test measures the amount of CEA in the blood, and sometimes in other body fluids.

METHODOLOGY – quantitative electro-chemiluminiscent immunoassay

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – serum separator tube, plasma separator tube, green (lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), pink (potassium EDTA)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow the specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated but frozen is also acceptable

STABILITY – ambient: 7 days; refrigerated: 2 weeks; frozen: 6 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – body fluid

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory