Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Fluid

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General Information

Lab Name
Carcinoembryonic Antigen, FLD
Lab Code
FCEAG
Epic Name
CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN, FLD
Description

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) cyst fluid concentrations have been found to be a useful tumor marker for identifying mucinous premalignant and malignant pancreatic cysts. CEA results from pancreatic cyst fluid can vary depending upon the assay used, and are not interchangeable. The higher the CEA level, (~200ng/mL and higher) the greater the likelihood for mucinous tumors. Low CEA levels (5ng/mL and below) are not likely in cyst aspirates associated with mucinous tumors. CEA results alone are not diagnostic and should be considered in the context of other clinical findings. For example, intestinal duplication cysts can mimic pancreatic cancers and may have very elevated CEA concentrations.

References

Diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a report of the cooperative pancreatic cyst study.Brugge WR, Lewandrowski K, Lee-Lewandrowski E, Centeno BA, Szydlo T, Regan S, del Castillo CF, Warshaw AL Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1330.

Cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen is an accurate diagnostic marker of pancreatic mucinous cysts.Cizginer S, Turner BG, Bilge AR, Karaca C, Pitman MB, Brugge WR Pancreas. 2011;40:1024.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cysts. Grace H. Elta , Brintha K. Enestvedt , Bryan G. Sauer , a n d Anne Marie Lennon Am J Gastroenterol 2018; 113:464.

ACG practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of neoplastic pancreatic cysts. Khalid A, Brugge W.Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102:2339.

An isolated intestinal duplication cyst masquerading as a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: A case report and review of the literature. Weitman E, et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2017;39:208-211.

Ngamruengphong S , Bartel MJ, Raimondo M . Cyst carcinoembryonic antigen in differentiating pancreatic cysts: a meta-analysis . Dig Liver Dis 2013 ; 45 : 920 – 6 .

Synonyms
CEA-fluid
Components
Code Name
FCEASD Carcinoembryonic Ag Spec, FLD
FCEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen, FLD

Interpretation

Method

Beckman Access CEA assay

Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes

Patient results determined by assays using different manufacturers, instruments, or methods may not be comparable.

Interferences and Limitations

Viscous fluids may decrease the accuracy of the measurement. Testing may not be possible on extremely viscous samples.

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Fluid
Collection

Preferred: Fluid in PLAIN RED TOP tube. Specify Fluid Type

Unacceptable: ANY TUBE with ANTICOAGULANT

Quantity
Requested: 1 mL fluid
Minimum: 0.5 mL fluid

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Refrigerate fluid

Stability: up to 7 days refrigerated; 8 hours at Room Temperature

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Chemistry, Automated Panels(CHA)
Frequency
Daily
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
UW-MT Chemistry, Automated
206-520-4600

Clinical Lab, Room NW220,
University of Washington Medical Center,
1959 NE Pacific street, Seattle, WA 98195

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes
82378
LOINC
12515-3
Interfaced Order Code
UOW1389