Test Overview
Test Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)

Test Usage

May be useful for predicting early recurrence of disease in women who have been treated for stage II or stage III carcinoma of the breast. This test should be used in conjunction with other clinical methods used for the early detection of recurrence. The test can aid in the management of breast cancer patients with metastatic disease by monitoring the progression or response to treatment. CA 15-3 can be elevated in patients with other malignancies such as lung cancer and other non-malignant disorders.

Reference Range *

< 32 U/mL

Test Limitations

Not useful as a screening test for carcinoma of the breast. The use of this test is not defined in males.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, 24 hours
Analytic Time

4 hours

Soft Order Code
CA153
MiChart Code
CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3)
Synonyms
  • Breast Carcinoma Associated Antigen CA 15-3
  • CA 15-3
  • CA15
  • Cancer Antigen 15-3
  • Carbohydrate Antigen 15-3
  • CA15-3
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Automation
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in an SST or red top tube. Refrigerate and send intact specimen within 8 hours of collection. Alternatively, centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

Alternate Specimen
Red Top Tube
Yellow Top Tube
Normal Volume
0.5 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL serum
Billing
CPT Code
86300
Fee Code
32040
LOINC
6875-9
NY State Approved
No