How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture

How to Prepare for the Test

Smoking may increase CEA levels. If you smoke, your doctor may tell you to avoid doing so for a short time before the test.

How the Test Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample may be more difficult from some people than from others.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to check for the return of colon and other cancers in people already diagnosed with cancer. It is not used as a screening test for cancer.

Normal Results

The normal range is 0 to 2.5 micrograms per liter (mcg/L). In smokers, the normal range is 0 to 5 mcg/L.

Normal value ranges may vary from lab to lab. In smokers, slightly higher values may be considered normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

High CEA levels in a person recently treated for certain cancers may mean the cancer has returned. Higher than normal levels may be due to the following cancers:

• Breast cancer
• Cancers of the reproductive and urinary tracts
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Higher than normal CEA levels alone cannot diagnose a new cancer. Further testing is needed.

Increased CEA levels may also be due to:

• Cholecystitis
• Cirrhosis and other liver disease
• Diverticulitis
• Heavy smoking
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis)
• Lung infection
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic ulcer

Risks

• Excessive bleeding (rare)
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Considerations

Abnormal CEA levels can be found in people who do not have cancer.

Alternative Names

Carcinoembryonic antigen blood test

References

Blanke CD, Faigel DO. Neoplasms of the small and large intestine. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 199.

Updated: 4/5/2012

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.