Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test: Risks

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More about Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test: Definition Purpose Precautions Preparation Aftercare Risks Normal results Abnormal results Resources

There are no complications or side effects of this test. However, the results of a CEA study should be interpreted with caution. A single test result may not yield clinically useful information. Several studies over a period of months may be needed.

Another concern is the potential for false positive as well as false negative results. A false positive result means the test shows an abnormal value when cancer is not present. A false negative means the test reveals a normal value when cancer actually is present.

— Ellen S. Weber, MSN