Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test (CEA)

This test is primarily used as a tumour marker, helping doctors monitor cancer progression or recurrence, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, or, in some cases, support diagnosis. With MaxAtHome, the CEA blood test can be conveniently conducted at home, ensuring comfort and quick access to reliable results.

CEA Test Measures

The Serum CEA test measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood. While it is not used as a general cancer screening tool, it plays a critical role in monitoring:

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  Cancer treatment response

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  Post-treatment recurrence of cancer

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  Disease progression in advanced cases

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  Occasional use in diagnosis, in conjunction with other tests

Who Should Get Tested?

The CEA test is typically recommended for:

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  Patients undergoing treatment for certain cancers (especially gastrointestinal cancers)

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  Individuals who have had cancer surgery and need follow-up testing to detect recurrence

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  People with suspected metastatic cancer

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  In some cases, individuals with a strong family history of bowel or gastrointestinal cancers

Note: Doctors may also advise this test for ongoing monitoring of CEA tumour marker levels when evaluating how well cancer therapy is working.

Symptoms That May Require This Test

Although the CEA test is not a screening tool, it may be suggested if you present symptoms potentially linked to cancers it is associated with. These may include:

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  Unexplained weight loss

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  Fatigue or general weakness

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  Abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits

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  Blood in stool

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  Recurring chest pain, shortness of breath, or persistent cough (if lung-related)

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  A return of symptoms in patients with a history of cancer

How is the Test Done?

With MaxAtHome, the CEA blood test is simple, safe, and conducted entirely at your convenience. Here’s what to expect:

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  A trained phlebotomist visits your home at a scheduled time

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  A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using sterile, single-use equipment

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  The sample is sent to a NABL-accredited laboratory for processing

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  Your report is delivered digitally within the promised time window

Preparation Before the Test

In most cases, no special preparation is needed before a carcinoembryonic antigen serum test. However, to ensure reliable results:

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  Inform your doctor if you are a regular smoker, as smoking can elevate CEA levels

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  Notify your healthcare provider about any medications or ongoing treatments

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  If the test is being conducted as part of ongoing cancer monitoring, timing may need to be coordinated with your treatment plan

Note: Fasting is generally not required for this test.

Time Taken for Results

MaxAtHome near you ensures prompt reporting. Your CEA test report is typically available within 24 to 48 hours after sample collection.

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  You will receive the report via SMS or email

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  It can also be accessed directly through the MaxAtHome portal

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  The results are easy to download and share with your oncologist or physician

Understanding Your Test Results

CEA levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) of blood. Interpretation depends on context—specifically whether the test is for diagnosis, monitoring, or recurrence.

General Guidelines:

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  Non-smokers: CEA level typically <3 ng/mL

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  Smokers: May have up to 5 ng/mL

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  Above 10 ng/mL: Often associated with active cancer or metastasis

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  Mildly elevated levels: Can be caused by smoking, infections, liver disease, or inflammation

High CEA Levels May Suggest:

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  Colorectal cancer

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  Pancreatic, gastric, lung, or breast cancer

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  Cancer recurrence after surgery or therapy

Why Choose MaxAtHome for the Test?

MaxAtHome provides a convenient, patient-first approach to diagnostic testing. For the CEA tumour marker test, we offer:

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  Home sample collection at a time of your choosing

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  Testing through NABL-accredited laboratories

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  Highly accurate quantitative analysis

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  Fully digital reports sent securely to your inbox

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  No travel or long queues—just professional testing from home

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  Responsive customer support for any booking or result-related queries

Booking the Test with MaxAtHome

Booking the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test near you with MaxAtHome is fast and easy:

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  Visit www.maxathome.in

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  Go to the CEA (serum) test page

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  Enter your location or PIN code to check availability

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  Choose a preferred time slot for home collection

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  The sample is collected at your doorstep

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  Your digital report is ready within 24–48 hours