How is CEA tested?
Apr 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
CEA refers to carcinoembryonic antigen, which is generally tested by drawing a venous blood sample. Specifically: In addition, CEA testing can also be performed using immunohistochemical methods, based on the principle of antigen-antibody binding, to observe whether there is positive expression in the affected tissue, and to conduct pathological diagnostic analysis according to the test results.
CEA refers to carcinoembryonic antigen, which is generally tested through a venous blood sample. The details are as follows:
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker and a glycoprotein complex present on the surface of cancer cells derived from embryonic endodermal cells. CEA testing has significant clinical value in diagnosing malignant tumors, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment efficacy. It is typically performed via blood tests. By analyzing the test results against the normal reference range—normally 0–5 μg/L—an abnormally elevated CEA level may indicate the presence of tumor-related diseases such as colorectal cancer or gastric cancer. However, elevated levels can also occur in non-tumor conditions like colitis or hepatitis. If CEA levels are significantly increased but diagnosis remains unclear, further evaluation combining clinical symptoms and additional relevant tests should be conducted for comprehensive diagnosis.
In addition, CEA can also be detected using immunohistochemical methods. Based on the principle of antigen-antibody binding, this method examines whether there is positive expression in the affected tissue, aiding in pathological diagnosis and analysis based on the test results.
