CA-125 Test Normal Range: Symptoms, Procedure, & Results

Ovaries are one of a pair of female glands that store and release eggs and produce hormones. 

CA-125 is a cancer antigen 125 test that measures the amount of protein CA-125 in your body. CA-125 is a type of biomarker in your blood. High levels of CA-125 may indicate ovarian cancer. Females with ovarian cancer normally have higher levels of CA-125. 

If you or any patient is suggested a CA-125 blood test, here is what to expect. 

What is the use of a CA-125 blood test?

A CA-125 blood test keeps a thorough approach to monitoring ovarian cancer and cancer of the fallopian tubes, pancreas, and breast in some cases. 

CA-125 levels can be normal even if cancer is detected (false negative), or they can be raised even if you don’t have cancer. Consequently, a CA-125 test is not considered an effective screening for ovarian cancer. 

For women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, regular testing of CA-125 levels may indicate whether treatment is working successfully. This ensures the tumor has not returned, but if it has, it is known as recurrent cancer. 

Other scenarios when a doctor prompts for a CA-125 test: 

Furthermore, a healthcare provider may also suggest the CA-125 test if you are at a higher risk of developing the condition. This could be due to: 

• If a family member had ovarian cancer
• If you have had ovarian cancer.
• If you are carrying the BRCA gene. 

Note: The CA-125 test is useless if you don’t have symptoms or risk factors. 

What are the symptoms of a CA 125 test?

A healthcare provider may suggest the CA 125 test to women if they have inherited mutated genes for ovarian cancer. These include BRC1 and BRC2. 

Additionally, if you have persistent symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as loss of appetite, urinary tract infection (pelvic pain), vaginal discharge, ovarian cysts, or already undergoing treatment for CA 125, a test is generally recommended. 

What can you expect from a CA-125 blood test procedure?

If you are scheduled for a CA-125 blood test, the expert will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The expert cleans the needle site with a disinfectant to prevent infection. Once the blood is drawn, he covers the puncture site with a cotton gauze pad to prevent external infection. 

Additionally, he will transfer the blood into a vial, label it, and send it to a laboratory for analysis. 

Note: The CA-125 test is like any other blood test, which means pain or discomfort on the needle site. These symptoms will vanish in 2-3 days. However, meet your healthcare provider instantly in case of non-stop pain, swelling, heavy bleeding, or any discomfort.

How common are false results?

It is very common to experience false CA-125 results. Although it is a reliable screening tool for several types of cancers, factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, or non-cancerous conditions such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may elevate CA-125 levels, leading to false positives. 

A healthcare professional considers every small or big factor to interpret your test results accurately. Additional tests, such as imaging or biopsies, are sometimes suggested. 

What is a CA-125 normal range?

CA-125 levels are measured in units per millimeter (u/ml). The normal range for CA-125 is between 0 and 35 U/mL. 

If your CA-125 levels are beyond 35 U/mL, it may indicate cancer or other conditions, including cancer recurrence. Not all patients with a high CA-125 have cancer. 

A healthcare provider may suggest additional tests in case of women with no ovarian history still showing high CA-125 levels. 

Consult your healthcare provider to interpret a good CA-125 test result in your case. Early and accurate diagnosis can facilitate effective management and treatment. 

What are the main causes of fluctuations in CA-125 levels?

The main causes of fluctuations in the CA-125 normal levels are: 

• Pregnancy 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID
• Menstruation period
• Liver disease
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis (uterus lining grows outside the uterus)
• Stress
• Other cancers, such as pancreatic or fallopian tube cancer

How can you prepare for a CA-125 test?

A CA-125 test doesn’t require fasting, which means you can eat and drink anything (except alcohol) before the test. 

Meet with your doctor before the test and inform him about all the medicines you are taking or doubts you have. This will help improve the accuracy of your test results. 

Nevertheless, your doctor may suggest CA 125 testing on an empty stomach, depending on your current medical condition, to receive the most accurate test results. 

Follow-up to the CA-125 blood test

The follow-up to the CA-125 blood test means assessing your medical history and symptoms. 

In elevated CA-125 levels, further diagnostic tests are needed to determine the cause of a high CA-125 test value. 

Conclusion

A CA 125 test becomes the need of the hour when you have symptoms suggestive of the same. It is a helpful diagnostic tool that helps monitor ovarian health and also detects ovarian cancer. 

While elevated CA-125 levels may be a cause of concern, it doesn’t completely suggest cancer. Therefore, getting in touch with a gynecologist for accurate and affordable insights is necessary.

Book a CA-125 blood test from Redcliffe Labs at affordable rates!

Get yourself tested if you want the most accurate yet affordable insight into your ovarian health. 

Redcliffe Labs-Healthy India Ki Trusted Labs is a leading name in cutting-edge diagnostics and pathology services. It offers comprehensive check-ups, specialized screenings, and blood tests online with at-home collection services and reports that match accuracy and precision. Download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app or call directly to book your slot today! 

How to book a CA-125 blood test online from Redcliffe Labs?

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.