The CEA blood test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA is a tumor marker that is used to detect certain type of cancers. It is called the carcinoembryonic protein because it is normally created during fetal development. The production of the protein stops before birth and the average adult does not have this protein in their bodies.

The CEA blood test is the most widely used method to detect levels of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood stream. High levels of CEA are found in people with colon and rectal cancer. The antigen is also present in patients with breast, lung and ovarian cancer. The test can also detect other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and cirrhosis.

There are several uses for the Carcinoembryonic Antigen test. A physician may order the Carcinoembryonic Antigen blood test if symptoms are present to suggest the possibility of cancer. The test may be taken before and after the surgery to determine if the surgery was successful and predict the patient̢‰s chances of recovery. During treatment, the CEA test can determine how chemotherapy and radiation is affecting the cancerous cells. The test also serves an indicator of the recurrence of the cancer.

Contact the Health Testing Centers to schedule your CEA blood test.