CA 15-3

CA 15-3

Alternate Test Name

Cancer Associated Breast Antigen

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB776
CABA

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

The Roche Cancer Antigen 15-3 II electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably.

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours

Container

Gold top (SST), Red top (serum), or Green top (lithium heparin) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
Min. Vol.: 0.5 mL serum or plasma

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture

• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times

• Clot 30 minutes

• Promptly centrifuge 10 minutes

• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate

• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Refrigerated: 5 days

Remarks

Medicare Medical Necessity Policy

Biotin, also referred to as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, can interfere with this test when taken in mega doses of 5mg (5000 mcg) or more. It is often promoted as a skin and hair beauty aid. Please ask your patients to refrain from taking Biotin or supplements containing Biotin for at least 24 hours before collecting specimens for lab testing.

https://biotinfacts.roche.com/

https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/safety/alertsandnotices/ucm586505.htm

CPT Codes

86300

Effective/Revised

7/31/2019

In conjunction with other clinical and diagnostic procedures, serial testing of CA 15-3 is an aid in early recurrence detection of previously tested stage II and III breast cancer patients. The marker is also used to monitor response to therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients. Serial testing for patient CA 15-3 assay values should be used in conjuction with other clinical methods for monitoring breast cancer. Patients with confirmed breast carcinoma frequently have CA 15-3 assay values in the same range as healthy individuals. Elevations may be observed in patients with nonmalignant disease. For these reasons, a CA 15-3 assay value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.