CA 125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker)

Evaluation of cancer biomarkers by CA 125 test for detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Disease.

Cancer Tests, Female Fertility Tests

Department.
Immunology
TAT.

1 Day

Sample Type
  • 2 mL (0. 5 mL min) serum from 1 SST
  • Provide brief clinical history

What is CA 125?

Cancer Antigen (CA) 125 is produced primarily in the ovaries and is a glycoprotein. It is a biomarker for the presence of tumors and is commonly associated with ovarian cancer and its progression.  It is found in the blood and the levels are elevated in individuals with ovarian cancer. It is not elevated in the early stages of cancer or when the woman has a benign tumor thus it is tested along with other diagnostic tests.

CA 125 test is conducted to measure the levels of cancer antigen 125 for the detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer and the effectiveness of cancer treatment in patients.

How is the Test Performed?

The CA 125 is a straightforward test involving a simple blood draw.

Preparation

  • No special preparations are required for the test.
  • Generally, fasting is not required for the test.
  • Always inform your doctor about any medication you are taking to evaluate the results based on that.


Collection

  • A trained phlebotomist draws blood from the vein, typically, from the vein in the arm.
  • The sample is placed into a chemically treated tube to prevent sample degradation.


Lab Analysis

  • The sample is sent to the laboratory for the analysis of CA 125 in the blood.
  • The laboratory uses advanced techniques including enzyme-linked immunoassay, chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), etc.

What are the symptoms that prompt this test?

Doctors recommend this test when they suspect that the individual might be at risk of ovarian cancer or exhibiting signs and symptoms of it. The common symptoms observed are mentioned below;

Symptoms indicative of Liver Disease

  • Bloating in the abdomen
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Eating difficulty
  • Backache
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Irregular periods
  • Urinating frequently
  • Feeling exhausted
  • Pain or pressure in the pelvic
  • Weight loss or gain without any known reason
  • Vomiting

What are Normal Ranges for This Test?

The normal ranges of CA-125 vary by age and gender. The generally accepted range considered normal is given below.

  • Normal – Below 35 U/mL


**The ranges may vary depending on the assay of the test and the health factors of individuals. The CA-125 test does not confirm the presence of ovarian cancer.**

What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?

Abnormal levels of CA-125 are suggestive of disorders associated with ovarian health and need early medical intervention for better treatment and effective management of the disease. The following disorders might be present in an individual if abnormal CA-125 levels are seen;

Elevated CA-125 Levels

  • Advanced-stage ovarian cancer
  • Endometriosis; A condition in which the tissues that are similar to the lining of the uterus grow within the uterus.
  • Uterine fibroids- noncancerous tumors in the uterus
  • Infections of reproductive organ
  • Liver disease
  • Pregnancy


Low CA-125 Levels

  • Indicates the effectiveness of cancer treatment
  • Usually an indication of good health


Additional tests are required for the confirmation of the disease such as ultrasound imaging, CT scan, MRI, Biopsy, and genetic testing. Early medical intervention is crucial for better treatment.

Why Choose Genex?

State Of The Art Technology

We use advanced technology and equipment to ensure precise and reliable results. Our cutting-edge tools and methodologies guarantee the highest standards of lab testing.

Highly Skilled Team

Our team consists of skilled technicians trained to handle complex hormonal tests with high accuracy. Each member has years of experience & specialized knowledge to every test.

Fast Turnaround Time

Get your results quickly, helping to make timely decisions regarding your health. We understand the importance of prompt information for effective health management.

Patient-Centered Care

Genex Lab prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction throughout the testing process. Our compassionate approach ensures a supportive and reassuring experience for patients.

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