CA 19.9 Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Normal Range, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to the CA 19.9 Test

A CA 19.9 Test measures the amount of protein called CA 19-9 (Cancer antigen 19-9) in a blood sample. CA 19.9 is a tumor marker. Tumor markers are made by cancer cells or normal cells that respond to cancer in your body.

The CA 19-9 test is a crucial tool in the fight against cancer. It measures a protein called CA 19-9, a tumor marker associated with pancreatic cancer. However, it can also be elevated in other conditions such as bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, and certain benign diseases like pancreatitis or liver disease. This test is important because it helps diagnose, monitor, and manage certain cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. 

The test is recommended for people with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer, such as jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or a family history of the disease. It's also used in patients diagnosed with cancer to assess treatment response or monitor for recurrence. The high levels of CA 19.9 can be due to different things. But it can help observe your cancer and check if your treatment works. Some people with elevated levels do not have cancer, and not all cancers produce elevated CA 19-9 levels. 

Consult your doctor and take the CA 19.9 blood test from Redcliffe Labs to get 100% report correctness. The certified professionals here will provide you with the best diagnostic experience with affordable test prices. Take your time getting the CA 19.9 test. Get your health checkup now!

CA 19.9 Test details in brief

What is the CA 19.9 Test used for?

CA 19.9 blood test is primarily used in. 

• Monitoring Pancreatic Cancer: It helps track the progress of pancreatic cancer in patients. The test can assess how well treatment is working and check for cancer recurrence after treatment. The high levels of CA 19.9 might also be due to non-cancerous conditions such as liver cirrhosis. 
• Diagnosis-  The high CA 19-9 levels can support a diagnosis when used alongside other tests and imaging studies in patients showing symptoms of pancreatic, bile duct, or colorectal cancer.
• The CA 19-9 test is not just about diagnosis and monitoring. It also plays a crucial role in estimating cancer prognosis. Higher levels of CA 19-9 at diagnosis may indicate a more advanced stage of cancer, helping doctors to estimate the prognosis and plan the best course of action.

Other uses of CA 19.9 screening- 

• The test is used to monitor certain types of cancer and cancer treatment. CA 19.9 levels often go up as cancer grows and go down as tumors shrink.
• The test helps to predict how cancer behaves over time.
• The test helps to check whether the cancer has returned after treatment.
• The test helps to diagnose certain cancers and other diseases when used with other tests. 

What does the CA 19.9 Test measure?

The CA 19-9 test measures the protein level called CA 19-9 in your blood.

This protein is produced by certain cells in the body and can be elevated in people with pancreatic cancer. 

•  High CA 19-9 levels can also be caused by other conditions, such as pancreatitis, gallstones, liver disease, and even pregnancy.
•  Not all pancreatic cancers cause high CA 19-9 levels.

Preparation for the CA 19.9 Test

Generally, you aren't required to take any special preparation before the CA 19.9 blood test, but you must consult your doctor for any special instructions.

• Fasting- You don't need to fast before the test. 
• Consult your doctor- If you take any vitamins, medications, or supplements, you must consult your doctor before taking the test.
• Stay hydrated- Keep yourself hydrated to make it easier to draw blood.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Wear a top or T-shirt with loose sleeves that can be easily rolled up so that your phlebotomist can easily access your arm. 
• Inform the healthcare- You are allergic to anything then inform the healthcare provider to avoid complications during the blood draw.

It's always advisable to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider before going for the blood test.

The procedure of the CA 19.9 Test

CA 19.9 is a blood test. Using a sterile needle, the phelbotomist will take your blood sample from your arm. A blood procedure generally involves the following steps-

• He will tie a band or tourniquet around the arm area to make the veins more visible. 
• Next, he will clean the arm with an antiseptic or alcohol-based solution to reduce the risk of infection. 
• After that, he will insert a sterile needle to collect the blood sample. 
• The blood collects in a vial or tube.
• The elastic band is removed.
• The needle is removed, and he will wear a cotton gauze or bandage.

While you might feel slight pain or sting during the sample collection, it's a normal part of the process and will subside quickly. Feeling dizzy, sweating, or nausea during the test is also normal. The test procedure is designed to be as comfortable and quick as possible, taking up to 10-15 minutes.

There is very little risk associated with the test. Some people might experience swelling, tenderness, inflammation, and bruising at the injection site. However, these symptoms may go away on their own. Contact your doctor if your signs of infection are long-lasting. 

What do the CA 19.9 Test reports indicate?

If you take the CA 19 Test from Redcliffe Labs, your reports will be available within 15 hours of sample collection. Consult your reports with your healthcare provider to discuss the test's findings.

Here is what the test reports indicate-

CA 19.9 levels are measured in units per millimetre (U/mL). The test results will show if your reports are normal or abnormal.

The normal CA 19.9 blood test range is between 0 and 37 U/mL. However, CA 19.9 levels can sometimes be high in healthy people due to existing health conditions. 

However, the high CA 19-9 levels are due to the following conditions-

• Bladder cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

CA 19-9 levels don't necessarily mean you have any type of cancer. It might be due to various other conditions, including-

• Bile duct disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Gallstones

Who should take the CA 19.9 Test?

The CA 19-9 test is recommended for:

• People having symptoms or diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
• People with other types of cancer

Always consult a medical professional to determine if a CA 19-9 test is appropriate. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to make an informed decision. 

Note: The high CA 19-9 level doesn't necessarily mean you have. It is just one side of the fact that people with cancers have high CA 19.9 levels. 

The doctor decides how often the CA 19.9 blood test should be performed. If the tumour grows rapidly, your doctor may advise you to get the test repeatedly weekly. 

What are the common symptoms related to the CA 19-9 test?

The CA 19-9 test itself does not cause symptoms, as it is a blood test. The symptoms are related to pancreatic, bile duct, or gastrointestinal cancers and include:

• Jaundice
• Sudden weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Digestive issues
• Fatigue

What is the CA 19.9 Test price at Redcliffe Labs?

The CA 19-9 Test cost at Redcliffe Labs is INR 1500. If you are looking for a diagnostic test, call us or book an appointment online using the Redcliffe Labs app. Our Labs follow the highest quality standards as per NABL & ISO guidelines. We have more than 50+ internal & external quality control checks regularly. Moreover, we have a team of experienced Doctors, MD Pathologists, and technicians. Our sample collection experts are DMLT certified. We have fully automated machines with the latest technology and follow Sigma processes for 100% report correctness. With every test, we offer Personalized diet plans, health progress reports and free report consultation. What else do you need? Book your health checkup with us today!

CA 19.9 Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer CA 19.9 Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Understanding the CA 19-9 Test and Its Importance

The CA 19-9 test is a blood test which is used to measure a protein called CA 19-9, which is often higher in people with certain types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer. However, it can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions like pancreatitis or liver disease. 

You might need the CA 19-9 test if you have symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice or if your doctor is concerned about the risk of pancreatic or bile duct cancer. If your doctor recommends this test, it's usually because they need more information to understand your condition better. Always discuss your test reports with your medical professional to understand what they mean and what steps to take next.