Pathology Handbook

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CA 19-9

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

CA19

Specimen Types:

Serum
Plasma

Container Types:

SST
Lithium Heparin (with Gel)

Collection & Request Instructions:

Ca 19-9 should only be used for follow up of patients with histologically proven tumour and not for screening for cancer. Ca 19-9 is elevated in most pancreatic adenocarcinomas, around 50% of gastric carcinomas and 30% of colorectal carcinomas. The main function of Ca 19-9 measurement is surveillance and monitoring of therapy in patients with known pancreatic adenocarcinoma. ASCO guidelines suggest that an elevation of Ca 19-9 levels alone is insufficient for diagnosis of recurrence, and confirmation with imaging studies +/- biopsy is required.It may also be elevated in a number of benign conditions including pancreatitis and cirrhosis.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Additional Notes:

Reference Interval:

96% of healthy subjects have CA 19-9 levels <37 kU/L

Method used is Abbott Alinity (CMIA).

Reformulation of Ca 19-9 assay as of 1st October 2014. No clinically significant change in result expected. Reference Interval unchanged, please contact lab if there are any concerns.