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Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Clinical Biochemistry

Sample and container requirements

Serum Lithium Heparin Plasma (paediatrics only)

Minimum volume required

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

Please inform the laboratory if the patient has been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or may have received them for diagnostic purposes.

Sample viability

Turnaround time

This assay is run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours.

Reference range

<5 µg/L

Clinical guidance

CEA is primarily used for the monitoring of patients with colorectal carcinoma. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about CEA. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/carcinoembryonic-antigen-cea

Notes

Images to go here

This information was last updated on 19 August 2026