CA 19.9 Test

CA 19-9

Test Overview

What is a CA 19-9 Test?

A CA 19-9 test, also known as the cancer antigen 19-9 blood test, is a laboratory procedure used to measure the levels of a specific substance, referred to as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), in the blood. This antigen is a type of tumour marker, which indicates the presence of cancer cells in the body or the response of normal cells to the presence of cancer.

The CA 19-9 lab test plays a significant role in the medical field, particularly for doctors and patients dealing with pancreatic cancer. It aids in diagnosis, helps monitor response to treatment, and is instrumental in detecting any recurrence of the disease. Significantly elevated levels of CA 19-9 may suggest the presence of pancreatic cancer, while decreasing levels could indicate that treatment is working effectively. However, this test is not solely recommended for diagnosing cancer as some healthy individuals may also display elevated levels due to other conditions.

What is the CA 19-9 Test Price?

When considering a CA 19-9 blood test, it's essential to understand that its cost can be influenced by various factors. Here are some key factors that impact the price:

• Location: The city or locality you live in can significantly affect the cost of your cancer antigen 19-9 blood test. Major cities and high-end labs typically charge more than smaller towns and local laboratories.
• Quality of Lab: Laboratories employing modern, high-quality equipment, and skilled pathologists usually charge more.
  Promotional Offers: Some labs could be offering discounts on the CA19-9 blood test as part of promotional campaigns which can lower costs considerably.
• Additional Testing: If the doctor recommends additional tests along with the CA 19-9 lab test, they might add to the overall cost.
• Health Insurance Coverage: If you have health insurance coverage to test for the CA 19-9 test normal range, you might only have to pay a small portion of the actual cost.

In India, the average price range for a CA 19-9 test may vary with the city and also within the city. Apollo 24|7 maintains a competitive CA19-9 blood test price while delivering exceptional service quality. Before proceeding with the CA 19-9 test, patients should check the price across cities, which will help in making an informed decision.

What is the Purpose of the /CA 19-9 Test?

The primary purpose of the cancer antigen 19-9 test is to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Here's why this test is beneficial:

• Detecting Pancreatic Cancer: The CA19-9 blood test is often part of a panel of tests used to identify pancreatic cancer at an early stage.
• Monitoring Treatment Response: Doctors use changes in CA 19-9 test report to assess if a tumour is responding to treatment. Stable levels indicate stable disease, decreasing levels suggest the tumour is shrinking.
• Detecting Cancer Recurrence: A rise from the CA 19-9 test normal range following treatment may indicate recurrence of cancer.
• Guiding Treatment Decisions: Monitoring CA 19-9 levels helps doctors make informed decisions about ongoing treatment and manage patients effectively.

While not specific enough for screening for pancreatic cancer in healthy individuals, the cancer antigen 19-9 test remains an essential tool in managing patients with known or suspected pancreatic cancer.

Who Should Get a CA 19-9 Test Done?

As a crucial diagnostic tool in health management, the CA 19-9 test purpose is to spot signs of particular cancers in the digestive system. Here are some instances when a CA 19-9 test becomes necessary:

• Individuals with Unusual Symptoms: Symptoms like abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or jaundice may be indicative of pancreatic cancer or other digestive tract cancers. A CA 19-9 lab test can help identify if there's cause for concern.
• People with a Family History of Pancreatic Cancer: If a person has a familial predisposition to pancreatic cancer or other digestive cancers, regular cancer antigen 19-9 blood tests can help monitor and manage your risk levels effectively.
• Patients Previously Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer: For those undergoing treatment for cancer, the cancer antigen 19-9 blood test can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and check for recurrence of the disease.
• Individuals with known Risk Factors: Regular monitoring of the CA 19-9 test report, for individuals suffering from chronic pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes, and even smoking, can aid in early detection and timely intervention.

Components of a CA 19-9 Test (one line each about the Test)

The CA19-9 blood test is crucial to developing a comprehensive picture of your overall health status. The Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9, also known as CA 19-9, is the primary component measured in the cancer antigen 19-9 blood test. It is a type of antigen, a substance that can stimulate an immune response, released by certain cancer cells – most commonly those of pancreatic cancer – making it an essential tool in diagnosis. However, it's crucial to remember that this test is not used alone but in combination with other clinical assessments and diagnostic tests.

Understanding CA 19-9 Test Report

Below are the low, high and CA 19-9 test normal range values, measured by this diagnostic test

Note: The values of these tests can vary depending on the laboratory, age, sex and underlying conditions.

Preparation and Procedure for CA 19-9 Test

Understanding the CA 19-9 test preparation and procedure is key to ensuring accurate and insightful results.

How is CA 19-9 Test Done?

The CA 19-9 test procedure involves routine steps that can provide potentially life-saving insights. Here's how it generally proceeds:

Collection of Blood Sample: A small blood sample is drawn from your arm using a sterile needle.

• Laboratory Analysis: The collected sample is sent to a laboratory, where trained technicians analyse the blood to determine the level of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), using radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques.
• Interpretation of Results: The level of CA 19-9 is reported in units per millilitre (U/mL). A level above the CA 19-9 test normal range may indicate the presence of certain cancers.
• Remember that a singular CA 19-9 lab test is not sufficient to diagnose cancer. It's often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, like imaging scans and biopsies.

Is Fasting Required for a CA 19-9 Test?

Understanding whether fasting is required for a CA 19-9 test is important in ensuring correct results. Here are a few tips:
No Fasting Requirement: Unlike many other blood tests, fasting is not typically needed before the cancer antigen 19-9 blood test. The test measures the levels of a specific protein in the blood, which isn't influenced by food intake.
Confirm with the Doctor: However, despite the general consensus on no fasting requirement as part of the CA 19-9 test preparation, it's always advisable to consult your doctor or the laboratory performing the test to confirm any specific instructions.

What Time of the Day Should I Undergo a CA 19-9 Test?

While medical tests can sometimes require specific timing, the cancer antigen 19-9 blood test is flexible in this aspect. The test's accuracy doesn't depend on the time of the day but on correct sample collection and processing measures. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• The sample must be centrifuged within two hours of collection.
• The sample must be inverted gently five to six times post-collection.
• If serum, allow clotting for 30 minutes before centrifugation.
• Keep serum or plasma refrigerated until testing.

How Frequently Should I Undergo a CA 19-9 Test?

The frequency of CA 19-9 lab tests depends mainly on an individual’s health status. Here are some general occasions when this test might be required:

• If a person is under treatment for pancreatic cancer, levels may be measured before, during and after treatment, generally every one to three months.
• For people with a high risk of pancreatic cancer due to genetics or family history, annual screening with CA 19-9 may be considered.
• In patients with known pancreatic cysts, testing might be performed every six to 12 months.
  After surgery for pancreatic cancer, testing is typically carried out every three to six months for the first two years post-surgery.

In conclusion, a CA 19-9 lab test is an essential tool in managing the risk and treatment of pancreatic and other cancers. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can lead to better health outcomes. If there are any concerns about risk factors or symptoms, a doctor is the best person to provide guidance on when and how often this test must be undergone.

Booking CA 19-9 Test Online & Check Reports

Technology has made it convenient to book lab tests and view reports online, from the comfort of a home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it can be done.

What are the Steps to Schedule a CA 19-9 Test on Apollo 24|7?

Scheduling a CA19-9 blood test on Apollo 24|7 is straightforward. Here's how to go about it:

• Visit Apollo's website or use the website or mobile app.
•  Search for “CA 19-9” in the search bar.
• Select the CA 19-9 test from the list of results.
• Choose the preferred date, time, and location for sample collection.
• Select whether the sample needs to be collected at home or at the lab centre, and provide the necessary address details where required.
• Choose your payment option and complete the booking.

How do I Access by CA 19-9 Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

After the test has been completed, the CA 19-9 test report can be accessed on Apollo 24|7. Apollo 24|7 offers a user-friendly online platform that is quick and easy to use. Here are the steps to follow:

• Log in to the Apollo account using the registered email address and password.
• Navigate to the “My Reports” section in the profile menu.
• Look for the CA 19-9 test report which is usually organised by date.
• Click on the report to view results, including the CA 19-9 test normal range. If required, download the report in a PDF format for future reference.

Remember, these guidelines are here to support the patient’s accessibility of the CA 19-9 test results. However, consulting a doctor for medical advice is always advisable.