ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cancer Antigen-Breast (CA 15-3) : 0080464

Mnemonic: CA-BREAST

Methodology: Quantitative Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube or plasma separator tube. Also acceptable: Green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months
Reference Interval:
0-31 U/mL
Interpretive Data: The Roche CA 15-3 electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. The CA 15-3 test is used to aid in the management of Stage II and III breast cancer patients. Serial testing for patient CA 15-3 values should be used in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring breast cancer. Patients with confirmed breast carcinoma frequently have CA 15-3 values in the same range as healthy individuals. Elevations may be observed in patients with nonmalignant disease. Therefore, a CA 15-3 value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.
CPT Code(s): 86300
Cross References: CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen-Breast (CA 15-3)), CA-Breast (Cancer Antigen-Breast (CA 15-3))