Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Tube Type

Test ID LAB57
EPIC Order
 CEA
CPT Code(s) 82378
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Core Laboratory
Tube Station 30
Specimen Routine: 4 mL blood/gold SST tube/red plain tube also acceptable
Micro: 0.9 mL blood/gold SST microtainer or red plain microtainer
Stability Spun/Separated:
 Room Temp: <8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: </=4 weeks
Availability 24 hrs/day
Turnaround Time Routine: 2 hours
Stat: 90 mins
Reference Range Normal: </= 5.0 ng/mL
Comments
  • Tumor marker assays cannot be used interchangeably; this test is performed using the Siemens Atellica CEA Immunoassay effective 7/13/21.
  • Heterophilic antibodies may cause interference. Refer to Memo #172

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 25, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514