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CA-125 is a test used to evaluate ovarian cancer treatment. CA-125 is a protein that is found more in ovarian cancer cells than in other cells. This protein enters the bloodstream and can be measured by a blood test.
There are two CA-125 tests: a first generation test and a second generation test. The second generation test is now more widely used and is generally more accurate.
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo preparation is necessary.
How the test will feelWhen 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.
Why the test is performedThe test is often used to follow women who have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In these cases, the CA-125 is a very good indicator of whether a patient is responding to treatment, and whether a patient remains in remission after treatment. In general, the CA-125 is not a good test to screen healthy women for ovarian cancer.
The test may also be done if a woman has symptoms or findings on ultrasound that suggest ovarian cancer.
Normal ValuesThe normal values for a CA-125 depend on the lab running the test. In general, levels above 35 U/mL are considered abnormal.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanIn a woman with known ovarian cancer, a rise in CA-125 usually means that the disease has progressed or recurred. A decrease in CA-125 usually means the disease is responding to treatment.
In a woman who has NOT already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, an elevated CA-125 can mean a number of things. While it can indicate that she has ovarian cancer, it can also indicate other types of cancer, as well as several benign diseases such as endometriosis.
When used in healthy women, an elevated CA-125 usually does NOT mean ovarian cancer is present. The vast majority of healthy women with an elevated CA-125 do not have ovarian cancer (or any other cancer for that matter). The "false positive" rate for this group of women is high.
Any woman with an abnormal CA-125 test will need further tests, and sometimes invasive surgical procedures, to confirm the result. These additional tests all involve risks and anxiety.
Therefore, the CA-125 should not be considered an effective general screening test for ovarian cancer. Studies are underway to determine whether it might be effective when combined with other blood tests or radiologic studies.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Dann RB, et al. Strategies for ovarian cancer prevention. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2007;34(4):667-686.
Goonewardene TI, et al. Management of asymptomatic patients on follow-up for ovarian cancer with rising CA-125 concentrations. Lancet Oncol. 2007;8(9):813-821.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Ovarian cancer. 2009; v2.
What else can I help you with?
What color of tube for CA125?
The tube for CA125 blood test is typically a lavender or pink-colored tube, which contains the anticoagulant EDTA.
Do you do cancer test for blood ca125?
yes,
Does a ca125 blood test require fasting?
No, a CA125 blood test does not typically require fasting. It is measuring a specific protein in the blood, and fasting is not necessary for accurate results.
Do you have to fast for the ca125 test?
There is no specific fasting requirement for the CA125 test, as it measures the level of a protein in the blood. It is always best to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding fasting or any other preparations for the test.
Can you have smear test any other way i.e i have heard about a CA125 blood test rather than having to go down there..?
The 2 tests test different things. pap smear tests for cervical cell changes and cervical cancer, CA125 in blood indicate other cancers such as ovarian cancer in ladies.
What does a CA125 test tell an Oncologist?
according to: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51281 Ovarian: Transvaginal ultrasound, which visualizes the ovaries to look for tumors, and a blood test called CA125 are used by some doctors now in women known to be at very high risk for this disease, but they are not yet accurate enough to screen the general population.
What is the normal range in CA 125 test?
Acceptable levels are between 0- 35 U/mL,Serum CA125 level in 39 (67.2%) out of 58 cases ranged from 36.7 U/mL to 1485.6 U/mL (mean 498.3 U/mL), being higher than normal (< 35 U/mL). Serum CA125 level of metastatic bladder cancer patients was 324.5 U/mL, significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.001). Serum CA125 level of 10 patients after transurethral resection operation was significantly lower than that before operation (P < 0.05). Serum CA125 level of 16 patients who refused further treatment significantly increased from 450.4 U/mL, to 505.8 U/mL (P = 0.041) 3 months after discharge from the hospital. Serum CA125 level of 17 patients significantly decreased from 475.8 U/L to 237.9 U/mL (P < 0.001) after bilateral iliac-arterial embolism treatment.
What is a ca125 test?
Blood levels of CA 125 are used primarily to monitor the treatment of ovarian cancer. A falling CA 125 level usually indicates that cancer is responding to the treatment.
How much does it cost for CA125 blood test?
To get results from a CA-125 blood test, it may take several weeks. This depends on the doctor, what lab they use and what the results are or what the symptoms are and the urgency.
What is CA125?
Hello!CA-125 is a carbohydrate antigen. This is generally used as a tumor marker for investigation of suspected cancer that involves the ovary and uterus.In 95% of healthy people, the Serum CA-125 levels should be
Is there a test that can diagnose cancer in any part of your body?
the only test that can confirm diagnose of cancer/tumor is biopsy of the tumor cell/cancer cells. ___________ Prior to invasive surgery such as biopsy, a responsible doctor will prescribe blood tests which isolate tumour indicators; Ca125 is one of these markers, but there are others which should be carried out before any surgery is performed. Your GP can arrange this. These tests will generally indicate the presence of cancer in any part of your body and your GP's recommendation will alert a specialist to areas where a biopsy might be appropriate. ___________
Can arthritis effect a CA125 blood test done for Ovarian cancer?
Arthritis itself does not directly affect CA-125 levels; however, conditions that cause inflammation, such as arthritis, can potentially lead to elevated CA-125 levels. CA-125 is a protein that can be produced in response to various conditions, not just ovarian cancer. Therefore, while a high CA-125 level may prompt further investigation for ovarian cancer, it is important to consider other factors, including inflammatory diseases like arthritis, that could influence the results. Always consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of CA-125 levels in context.
