Cancer antigen 19-9 or CA 19-9 is a protein present in the body as a tumour marker. Tumour markers are those substances that cancer cells make or normal cells make in response to cancer developing in your body. Healthy people usually have normal levels of CA 19-9 in their blood. High levels of CA 19-9 often indicate pancreatic cancer. One may have high levels of CA 19-9 in other types of cancers like stomach cancer, colon cancer, bile duct cancer and in certain noncancerous conditions like liver cirrhosis and gallstones. The CA 19-9 Test helps detect the amount of the protein CA 19-9 in the blood. However, this test can only be used to screen for the presence of cancer. It cannot be used to diagnose cancer alone.
Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Cirrhosis, Cholestasis, Pancreatitis, Colon Cancer.
Test result interpretation
The CA 19-9 Test results are usually reported in units per millilitre (U/mL). If you have gotten other liver function tests done, then you will get the reports of all parameters.
The results of the CA 19-9 Test give you a report of abnormal levels of CA 19-9 in the blood.
Normal
< 37 U/mL
High Levels
>37 U/mL
Normal CA 19-9 Test ranges may vary depending on the laboratory.
Normal CA 19-9 levels less than 37 U/mL indicate that you do not have cancer.
CA 19-9 levels of more than 37 U/mL indicate that you may have cancer of the pancreas, gallbladder, colon, lung, liver or stomach. You may need to undergo a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the cancer diagnosis.
CA 19-9 levels between 37 - 75 U/mL indicate an infection of the pancreas like pancreatitis, gallbladder infection, liver disease, gallstones or cystic fibrosis.
If you are on cancer treatment and you get your CA 19-9 Test done, the CA 19-9 Test results could mean the following -
High CA 19-9 levels during treatment - Treatment is not working yet.
Normal CA 19-9 levels during treatment - Treatment has started working.
CA 19-9 levels are Normal at first and then become higher - Treatment was working, but the cancer has recurrence now.
Based on your CA 19-9 test results, the doctor may require other liver profile tests to confirm the clinical diagnosis.
The CA 19-9 test requires a sample of your blood. This test is usually combined with other regular tests.
CA 19-9 test preparation
The CA 19-9 Test takes a sample of your blood for testing. It does not require any special preparation. However, if you are getting other blood tests done along with the CA 19.9 Test, you may be asked to not eat or drink anything for 10-12 hours based on the tests.
a. Before the CA 19-9 Test
This test does not require any preparation from your end.
b. During the CA 19-9 Test
It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for the test in any way.
c. After the CA 19-9 Test
There are no restrictions after the CA 19-9 Test. Therefore, you can resume regular activity after the test.
Test inclusions: What parameters are included in the CA 19-9 Test?
The parameters included in the CA 19-9 Test are the measures of the levels of CA 19-9, a tumour marker protein, in the blood. If your doctor orders other tests like liver function tests or hormonal profiles, then you may get to see all parameters of your liver and pancreas.
How frequently should you take the CA 19-9 Test?
Your doctor may repeat the CA 19-9 Test based on your diagnosis and symptoms. If you start your treatment for pancreatic cancer or other cancers, the CA 19-9 Test may be repeated every 3-4 weeks to check if the treatment is working. Regular monitoring and testing allow your doctor to check the prognosis of your disease and how you are responding to the treatment. In addition, follow-up tests of the CA 19-9 Test help provide detailed information about the severity of the disease and how the disease has progressed over time.
If you have completed your course of treatment, your doctor may repeat the CA 19-9 Test every year to check for relapse of cancer.
