Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
CA125 is a non-mucinoid glycoprotein with a molecular weight in excess of 200kDa, and carbohydrate content of approximately 25%. It circulates in the serum in association with another glycoprotein resulting in a combined MW in excess of 1000kDa. It has been demonstrated immunohistochemically in most types of ovarian cancer but is used to monitor therapy largely in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The half-life of CA125 is 2 – 6 days.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated: 2 days
Separated:
At 20-25C – 3 days
At 2-8C – 5 days
At -20C – 3 months
Interpretation:
Refer to NICE CG122 Ovarian cancer: recognition and initial management
Reference ranges:
Adult: < 35 kU/L
Other info:
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable