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HelpTest Code PFCEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Pleural Fluid
Reporting Name
CEA, Pleural FluidUseful For
An adjuvant to cytology and imaging studies to differentiate between nonmalignant and malignant causes of pleural effusions
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Pleural FluidSpecimen Required
Sources: Pleural fluid, thoracentesis fluid
Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural Fluid | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
82378
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PFCEA | CEA, Pleural Fluid | 19169-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PCEA | CEA, Pleural Fluid | 19169-2 |
| SITE9 | Site | 39111-0 |
Interpretation
A pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration of 3.5 ng/mL or higher is suspicious but not diagnostic of a malignant source of the effusion. This cutoff yielded a sensitivity of 52%, specificity of 95%, and part per volume of 93% in a study of 200 patients presenting with effusion. CEA concentrations were significantly higher in effusions caused by CEA-secreting malignancies, including lung, breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, and colorectal cancers. However, effusions caused by non-CEA-secreting malignancies, including lymphoma, mesothelioma, leukemia, and melanoma, routinely had CEA concentrations below 3.5 ng/mL. Therefore, negative results should be interpreted with caution, especially in patients who have or are suspected of having a non-CEA-secreting malignancy.
Correlation of all tumor marker results with cytology and imaging is highly recommended.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.