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