Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Monitor therapy and identify disease recurrence in individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Do not use for diagnosis or screening of breast cancer.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
CA-BREAST
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Quantitative Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
Within 24 hours
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Serum separator tube or plasma separator tube. Also acceptable: Green (sodium or lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).
Specimen Preparation
Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable Conditions
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
0-31 U/mL
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
The Roche CA 15-3 electrochemiluminescent immunoassay is used. Results obtained with different methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. The CA 15-3 test is used to aid in the management of Stage II and III breast cancer patients. Serial testing for patient CA 15-3 values should be used in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring breast cancer. Patients with confirmed breast carcinoma frequently have CA 15-3 values in the same range as healthy individuals. Elevations may be observed in patients with nonmalignant disease. Therefore, a CA 15-3 value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.
Compliance Category
FDA
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
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AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.