CA 15-3
- Code
- 500.5225
- Name
- CA 15-3
- Category
- None
- Department
- Chemistry
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- Cancer Antigen 15-3; Cancer Antigen; Breast
- CPT Codes
- 86300
- Site
- Main Lab
- Reference Test
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
48 hour stability- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
*PERFORMED ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS ONLY*
0-31.3 U/mL- Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Clinical Significance
Useful in monitoring clinical course of breast cancer patients.
CA-Breast (CA 15-3) measures a circulating adenocarcinoma-associated antigen belonging to a family of high molecular-weight glycoproteins normally present in human milk fat globule membranes. CA 15-3 is a sensitive marker that is useful in monitoring the clinical course of breast cancer patients. Whereas elevated levels are only present in a small percentage of patients with localized disease, two-thirds of cases with metastatic disease will have significantly elevated levels. It may also be elevated in patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as in other malignancies (e.g., pancreas, lung, ovary, colon, and liver). Assessments following therapy correlate well with disease progression. Because of relatively low sensitivity and a lack of specificity, CA 15-3 should not be used as a screening test.