CA 19.9 Test

Cancer antigen 19.9 is a type of protein, which can be found in the body at a higher level if you have any underlying cancerous or noncancerous condition.

A little amount of CA 19.9 found in the body, but a high amount generally indicates pancreatic cancer. However, higher levels can be brought up by different reasons, such as the presence of gallbladder stone and liver cirrhosis.

What is a CA 19.9 test?

A CA 19.9 test counts the amount of CA 19.9 protein in your blood sample. Cancer antigen 19.9 considered as the tumor marker, which is a substance that your body cells produce in response to a cancer present in the body.

What are the purposes of this test?

This testing can be used for several different reasons:

• To diagnose a condition: The level of CA 19.9 can be elevated because of the presence of pancreatic cancer. Also, not only because of pancreatic cancer, elevated levels can also indicate noncancerous conditions including cirrhosis. However, alone this test is not used to diagnose a condition, your doctor will prescribe more additional tests along with this.
• To understand the efficacy of cancer treatment: If you already have been diagnosed with a cancer condition, undergoing this test periodically can help the doctors find out the effectiveness of the cancer treatment. In case of pancreatic cancer, doctors would suggest taking this test before the treatment to get the reference measurement. And Then it will be compared with the future CA 19.9 levels which will be taken during as well as after the treatment.
• To determine the recurrence of cancer: In some cases, certain cancers may recur after a successful treatment. Your doctor may also recommend this test after the treatment of pancreatic cancer, to check for a chance of recurrence.

However, this testing is not specifically used as screening of cancer.

What does the test analyze?

Certain body cells including healthy and cancerous cells produce cancer antigen 19.9. This testing analyzes or measures the quantity of CA 19.9 in the blood, and the measurements will help the doctors to understand whether you have any cancerous or noncancerous condition.

When should I get tested?

Your doctor may order this test for different reasons, such as:

• If you have a family history of certain cancer
• If you have a high risk of developing colon and pancreatic cancer
• If you are already suffering from diabetes and hepatitis B

As this test has many different purposes, it is also widely used to know how well you are responding to the treatment. Your doctor may order this test regularly if you are receiving treatment for:

• Stomach cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Colon cancer
• Rectum cancer

You may also require this test after the treatment. This will help to check whether the cancer will recur or not. After a successful treatment, high CA 19.9 level may indicate that the cancer cells are growing again.

Can I take this at home?

Currently, there is no at-home test kit available for testing cancer antigen. However, you can avail the offer of CA 19.9 test at home. We provide a free home sample collection facility.

What is the CA 19.9 test price?

The prices of testing may vary from laboratory to laboratory. However, we offer CA 19.9 test price at Rs. 750 only.

What preparations do I need?

You do not need to fast or take any preparations before the CA 19.9 test. However, you may talk with your healthcare adviser for any guidance.

What sample is required for the test?

Only a blood sample is required to perform this test. A medical professional will collect the blood sample from a vein in your arm.

What can I expect during the sample collection?

Before the process, make sure to wear loose upper clothes which will be helpful for the phlebotomist to collect the blood. During the sample collection:

• The phlebotomist will clean the inner elbow, where the blood will be drawn.
• Then an elastic band will be used in the upper arm.
• A needle will be inserted on that cleansed area, and blood will be drawn into the syringe.
• Then the elastic band will be removed.
• A bandage will be placed on that particular area where blood was collected.
• After blood collection, the blood will be transferred into a testing container and will be sent to the laboratory for the testing.

The whole process may take only 5 to 10 minutes. You may feel a tingling or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted.

What are the risks of having the test?

There are very little to no side effects. You might experience swelling or bruising at the injected site. All the discomfort will go away within a day or two. An infection at the injected area is very rare. However, if any infection may take place then consult with your doctor.

When will I get the test reports?

You will receive the soft copy of the test reports within 28 to 48 business hours. Also, if you require it then a hard copy will be sent by mail.

What does the result indicate?

Generally, Cancer antigen levels are measured in units per milliliter. The test report might also include an interpretation of the levels (whether it is normal or not).

The normal range of CA 19.9 level is between 0-37 U/mL. However, a healthy person may also have an elevated level. Abnormal levels of CA 19.9 may indicate certain health conditions, such as:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Ovary cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Colon cancer
• Rectum cancer
• Cirrhosis
• Pancreatitis
• Cholangitis
• Bile duct obstructions

As mentioned before, elevated levels of cancer antigen 19.9 levels can be seen in a healthy person. This is why research is still ongoing to understand the cancer antigen testing for diagnosis and monitoring for different conditions.

As this particular testing is prescribed along with other testings, therefore it is important to talk with your doctor about to understand what your test results indicate.