CA-125 Test - Price, Range, Purpose, Preparation - 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to CA-125 Test

The Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test is a blood test used to measure the level of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that can be higher in certain cancers, like ovarian cancer. The test is used as a tumor marker but also has an important role in higher CA-125 levels caused by non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Your doctor might recommend the CA-125 test to diagnose the cancer risks and provide timely intervention and treatment. Choose Redcliffe Labs for the CA 125 test; we are India's trusted diagnostic lab providing the best experience at affordable prices. You can book your test within a minute online, and our phlebotomist will come to your home to collect the sample. We are here to provide you with a hassle-free experience; why wait? Just book your test now!

Test details in brief

Purpose of the CA-125 Test

The CA-125 test serves several purposes in the field of healthcare:

• Ovarian Cancer Monitoring: One of the primary purposes of the CA-125 test is to monitor and manage ovarian cancer. It is used to track treatment progress and check for cancer conditions in ovarian cancer patients.
• Screening for Ovarian Cancer: While the CA-125 blood test is not recommended as a single screening tool for ovarian cancer, it is used to assess the risk of a family history of ovarian cancer or specific genetic mutations. 
• Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer: In some cases, the CA-125 test may be used as part of the diagnostic process for ovarian cancer, especially if other diagnostic tests and imaging suggest the possibility of ovarian cancer.
• Evaluation of Pelvic Masses: The CA-125 blood test can help healthcare providers assess pelvic masses by checking for elevated CA-125 levels, particularly in postmenopausal women. 
• Monitoring Other Cancers: CA-125 can be higher in other types of cancer, such as endometrial, fallopian tube, and certain gastrointestinal cancers. The test may be used to monitor cancer progression and response to treatment in these cases.
• Monitoring Non-Cancerous Conditions: CA-125 levels can also be high in non-cancerous conditions, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and benign ovarian cysts. The test may be used to monitor these conditions and track changes over time.

Preparation for the CA-125 test

The test does not require any special preparation, but it's essential to follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider:

• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Talk to your healthcare provider about and know if any special preparation is required.
• Medication Review: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, as some medicines may affect the test reports. 
• Fasting: You do not need to fast before a CA 125 test. You can eat and drink as usual before the test.
• Timing: The CA 125 test is a blood test, and no special timing is required during the day. You can schedule the test at a convenient time.
• Hydration: Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can affect blood test results.

The procedure of the CA-125 test

The CA-125 test is a blood test used, which requires a simple procedure. 

• Blood Collection: Your healthcare professional or phlebotomist will collect the blood sample. They will use a thin needle to draw blood from a vein, usually from your arm.
• Cleaning and Needle Insertion: The healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm where the needle will be inserted inside of your elbow. They will then insert the needle and collect a small amount of blood into a vial or test tube.
• Pressure and Bandage: After the sample collection, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or sterile gauze is placed over the puncture site. A bandage or adhesive strip is then applied to cover the puncture site.
• Labeling and Processing: The blood sample is labeled with your personal information and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will measure the level of CA-125 in your blood.

What do the CA-125 test reports indicate?

The CA-125 test reports indicate the level of CA-125 protein in blood. The measurement of CA-125 levels in the body is expressed in units per milliliter (U/mL). The CA-125 test normal range when it falls between 0 and 35 U/mL. If CA-125 levels exceed 35 U/mL, it may indicate the presence of cancer or other medical conditions. Higher CA-125 levels do not necessarily mean cancer is present, as various factors can lead to higher levels. Here's what the CA-125 test reports can indicate:

• Normal Range: The CA-125 test reports will often include a reference range for CA-125 levels. If your CA-125 test normal range is between 0 and 35 U/mL, it is considered normal for the laboratory's standards.
• Higher CA-125 Levels: Higher CA-125 levels above the reference range may indicate several conditions:
• Ovarian cancer: CA-125 is higher in ovarian cancer, and a significant increase may raise suspicion.
• Other cancers: Elevated CA-125 levels can also occur in cancers of the fallopian tubes, endometrium, pancreas, lung, breast, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Non-cancerous conditions: Elevated CA-125 can be seen in non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, and benign ovarian cysts.

CA-125 levels are also used to monitor people with ovarian cancer during and after treatment. Rising CA-125 levels may indicate a recurrence of the cancer. In some cases, the CA-125 blood test helps to diagnose ovarian cancer when combined with other tests and clinical evaluation.

CA-125 Test Sample Report - Redcliffe Labs

Who should get the CA-125 blood test?

Consult with your doctor before taking the test, as it is not a routine screening test for everyone. There are some categories of people who have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer. The CA-125 is recommended for specific people or situations, including:

• Family History
• Age
• Genetic factors
• Certain medical conditions
• Lifestyle factors

When should the CA-125 test be done?

The CA-125 test is performed in specific clinical situations based on people's medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. Here are some common scenarios in which the CA-125 test may be ordered:

• If a person presents with symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel or urinary habits, or unexplained weight loss, a healthcare provider may order a CA-125 test as part of the diagnostic workup.
• For people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the CA-125 blood test is used to monitor the response to treatment and to check for cancer recurrence during and after therapy. 
• When a pelvic mass is discovered during imaging studies or a physical examination, a CA-125 test may be ordered to help assess the likelihood of malignancy. 
• Some people are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to factors such as a strong family history of the disease or specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA gene mutations).

What cancers does CA-125 detect?

The cancer does not detect any cancers. The test is used to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer.

The elevated CA-125 levels are used as a potential marker for this type of cancer. However, CA-125 is not a definitive test for diagnosing cancer, and high CA-125 levels can be associated with various other conditions, both cancerous and non-cancerous. However, ovarian cancer is the most commonly associated cancer with CA-125; elevated CA-125 levels can also be found in other types of cancer, including cancers of the fallopian tubes, endometrium (uterine lining), pancreas, lung, breast, and gastrointestinal tract.

Who should a doctor recommend a CA-125 blood test?

A healthcare provider may suggest a CA-125 blood test to those individuals whom he thinks have ovarian cancer or are currently getting treated for ovarian cancer; a CA-125 test may help to monitor their condition. 

Besides, some people may need a CA-125 test if they are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Factors responsible for putting them at an increased risk include: 

• If they are carriers of the BRCA gene. A gene contains details about how your body works. 
• If they have a family history of ovarian cancer. 
• If they have had ovarian cancer. 

When should a CA-125 test be done?

The CA-125 test should be done in these conditions, including: 

1. To measure if the treatment for ovarian cancer is working. 
2. To monitor if the cancer returns after successful treatment. This procedure is repeated every few months or every year. 
3. Screen for ovarian cancer in high-risk patients. 
4. It helps with the investigation of a person with symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer. 

How common are false CA-125 results?

A CA-125 test can show both false negative and false positive results. You may have normal CA-125 levels, even if you have cancer. (false negative findings) or show high CA-125 levels when you don’t have cancer (false positive). Consequently, a CA-125 test is not considered an effective screening for ovarian cancer. 

The majority of women who are in a good state of health have high or elevated CA-125. However, this doesn’t mean they have any type of cancer, including ovarian cancer. It indicates that the false “positive” rate for healthy women is high. 

Additionally, only about 3 of 100 healthy women with high levels of CA-125 actually suffer from ovarian cancer. 

Which CA-125 test result is considered good?

A CA-125 normal range is between 0 and 35 U/mL. The levels beyond 35 U/mL are considered irregular and don’t even mean you have cancer or that cancer has returned. 

Discuss your CA-125 test reports with your doctor, as he may suggest additional tests to make accurate diagnosis. 

Are there any risks associated with a CA-125 blood test?

Yes, there are minimal risks associated with a CA-125 blood test. You may feel pain on the puncture site, lightheadedness, or nausea after or during the blood draw. These are some of the most common symptoms and will go away quickly. If bruises occur, you can keep a cold pack for 10-15 minutes as desired. 

Additionally, if the pain continues for more than 3-4 days, the spot where the needle was inserted gets swollen, or any discomfort happens, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

CA-125 test price @ Redcliffe Labs

The CA-125 test price at Redcliffe Labs starts from Rs 1199 and goes up to Rs 1300. You need to book your test in a few simple steps or call us. We prioritize your health by offering top-notch testing facilities, accurate results, and an unmatched hassle-free experience, all at prices that won't break the bank. Take charge of your health and choose us as your trusted diagnostic partner. Be sure to book your CA-125 test now. Your health matters, and at Redcliffe Labs, we're here to ensure it's convenient and affordable for all. 

CA-125 Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer CA-125 test in different other cities in India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of services in your city.

Take CA-125 Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer Detection

The CA-125 blood test has an important role in the context of diagnosing, monitoring, and managing certain medical conditions, particularly ovarian cancer. The elevated levels of CA-125 in women indicate ovarian cancer, but it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. It helps to recognize that CA-125 levels can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, and normal levels do not rule out cancer. Therefore, CA-125 results should be interpreted by healthcare providers within the context of the patient's overall health, medical history, and other diagnostic tests. You can take the CA-125 test with Redcliffe Labs, India's most trusted and reliable diagnostic partner. We offer free home sample collection services with accurate and on-time reports at your convenience. To avoid any inevitable health condition, take charge of your health and book your test today!

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Conclusion

A doctor may suggest a CA-125 blood test to measure the amount of CA-125 protein in your blood. He may also use the test if they suspect you have ovarian cancer or to monitor the impact of treatment for ovarian or endometrial cancer. 

If your test report shows elevated CA-125 levels, it can be a cause of concern. It can signify certain health conditions, such as ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Besides, the period cycle and pregnancy can also cause high CA-125 levels.