Description
CA 125 antigenic determinants are expressed by nonmucinous ovarian carcinomas including serous, endometrioid, clear cell, and undifferentiated histologies but not by normal or benign ovarian tissue.
Indications
This test in useful in monitoring the course of disease in patients with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. Rising levels are associated with poor response to therapy whereas decreasing levels are associated with a favourable outcome. Elevated levels of CA 125 have been found in a small percentage (1-2%) of normal women, in individuals with hepatitis, cirrhosis, ovarian cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and 1st trimester pregnancy.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
1 ml Serum 1 ml K3-EDTA or Li, Na-Heparin Stability: 7 Days at 2-8 °C > 7 Days at -20 °C
Special Precautions
Values obtained with different assay methodologies should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor a patient’s course of therapy. Avoid grossly haemolysed samples.
Normal Range
Up to 35.0 U/mL
