Cancer Antigen 15-3, Blood (Referred Out) - Saskatoon
Discipline
Biochemistry
Overview
Alias
- CA 15-3
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Serum
Specimen collection container
- Preferred Collection Container: Gold (gel) 5.0mL
Required volume
- Optimal Volume: 4.5 mL Full collection tube
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL serum
(Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)
Transport and stability
- Freeze aliquot within 24 hours of collection
Rejection criteria
- Specimens received where the proper collection protocols were not followed
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Acceptance and Rejection Criteria
Performance
Days/times performed
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Maximum laboratory time
- 1 day turnaround time by testing laboratory
Other information
- Used to monitor the response of treatment of invasive breast cancer and recurrence of the disease
- Serial testing can assist in early detection of disease recurrence in previously treated stage II and III breast cancer patients
- Other nonmammary malignancies, including lung, colon, pancreas, primary liver, ovary, cervix, and endometrium, may cause elevated CA 15-3 assay values.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024