What is a CA 19-9 Test?
A CA 19-9 test determines the protein level of CA 19-9 in a blood sample. CA 19-9 is a specific sort of tumor marker. Tumor markers are chemicals produced in your body by cancer cells or normal cells in response to malignancy.
CA 19-9 can be found in trace levels in the blood of healthy humans. CA 19-9 levels that are elevated are frequently associated with pancreatic cancer. But high levels can also indicate other forms of cancer or diseases that aren't cancer. High CA 19-9 levels can be caused by gallstones and liver cirrhosis, for example.
Since high levels of CA 19-9 can indicate various conditions, the test is not used to screen for or diagnose cancer or other disorders. Nonetheless, it can aid in the monitoring of your cancer and the effectiveness of your therapy.
Alternative Names of CA 19-9 Test
- Cancer Antigen 19-9,
- Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9,
- CA 199 Measurement and
- CA 19-9 Radioimmunoassay (RIA).
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Get A Second OpinionWhat is the CA 19-9 Test used for?
CA 19-9 blood tests can be used to determine:
- Keep an eye on certain forms of cancer and cancer therapy. CA 19-9 levels frequently rise as cancer spreads and fall as tumors shrink.
- Assist in predicting how cancer will behave over time.
- Check to see if cancer has reappeared following therapy.
- Combined with other testing, it can aid in diagnosing some malignancies and other disorders.
- Even if they have a malignancy that produces typically significant amounts of CA 19-9, some persons do not develop it. A CA 19-9 tumor marker test is ineffective for these persons.
What is the need for a CA 19-9 Test?
If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or any form of cancer that generates high CA 19-9, you may require a CA 19-9 blood test. Cancers that generate high CA 19-9 include:
- Bile duct
- Colon and rectum
- Stomach
- Ovaries
- Bladder
Your healthcare provider may test you frequently during cancer treatment to assess if your therapy is effective.
When your treatment is finished, you may require CA 19-9 testing to see if the cancer has returned. CA 19-9 levels above average may be one of the first signals that cancer cells are regrowing.
What happens in a CA 19-9 Blood Test?
A healthcare expert will insert a tiny needle to draw blood from the arm's veins. Following the insertion of the needle, a small quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube for a sample. When the needle goes in, you might feel a slight sting. This typically takes five minutes.
How do I prepare for the CA 19-9 Blood Test?
A CA 19-9 blood test usually does not require any extra preparation. But check with your provider to make sure. You may need to stop taking specific vitamins before the test if you take them.
Is there any Risk in the CA 19-9 Blood Test??
Having a blood test poses no risk or danger. You may experience some discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted earlier, but most symptoms will disappear soon.
What do the findings imply?
If you are undergoing cancer therapy, you may be tested numerous times during your treatment. Your doctor will review your test data to see how your CA 19-9 levels have changed. Your results may reveal:
- Your CA 19-9 levels are increasing. This might indicate that your tumor is developing and that your treatment is not working. Additional tests are usually required to determine the actual cause.
- Your CA 19-9 levels are dropping. This might indicate that your tumor is decreasing and your treatment is effective.
- Your CA 19-9 levels have remained constant. This might indicate that your sickness is stable and has not improved or worsened.
- Your CA 19-9 levels dropped after therapy but then increased. This might indicate that your cancer has returned or increased. Further testing will be required to determine whether cancer is the actual cause of the elevated CA 19-9 level.
If you do not have cancer but have a high amount of CA 19-9 in your blood, you may have a health concern that requires treatment. CA 19-9 levels in healthy adults can be elevated. Nevertheless, high levels may indicate a disorder such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones
- Bile duct disease, including a blockage or infection
- Liver disease
- Cystic fibrosis
Discuss your findings with your healthcare physician.
If your doctor suspects you have one of these illnesses, you will almost certainly require more testing to confirm it.
What is Essential Information to know about the CA 19-9 Exam?
Labs use several methods to determine the CA 19-9 quantity in your blood sample. The test procedure may influence your findings. If you get frequent cancer testing, having them all done by the same method and typically at the same lab is crucial. Your provider will be able to compare your findings over time. The method used to measure your CA 19-9 levels is generally stated in your test result.
Talk to your provider if you have any questions regarding how your tests are performed.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
This test is primarily used to help diagnose and monitor certain types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer.
CA 19-9 is a protein produced by certain types of cancer cells, particularly those found in the pancreas and bile ducts.
The CA 19-9 test is primarily used to help diagnose and monitor pancreatic cancer. It may also be used to monitor other types of cancer, such as bile duct cancer and ovarian cancer.
The CA 19-9 test is a blood test. A healthcare provider draws a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
No, the CA 19-9 test is not painful. A healthcare provider will use a needle to draw blood from a vein, which may cause discomfort or a slight pinch.
Elevated levels of CA 19-9 may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also be caused by other conditions, such as liver disease, pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease.
The CA 19-9 test is not typically used as a screening test for cancer, as elevated levels of CA 19-9 can be caused by various conditions other than cancer.
The CA 19-9 test is a relatively simple and safe procedure. However, as with any blood test, there is a small risk.
The cost of a CA 19.9 test is approximately Rs. 750. However, the normal price range can vary from place to place.
You can get a CA 19.9 test at Medicover Hospitals.
