The Colon Club

In the grand scheme of things, this is just a curiosity question. Has anyone found that different labs reveal different CEA levels?

I have had 4 levels drawn in three months due to visiting two surgeons in two states, plus a post resection draw and then a draw at my new oncologist.
As follows: 8/26: 0.9, 8/30: 1.8, 10/24: 0.5, 11/22: 1.15

I was hoping to have a baseline moving forward on this journey. Not sure which to ‘use’. Again, rather curious if it’s a lab thing, not a bodily thing. Would inflammation variations make those somewhat subtle differences?

With appreciation,
Lee

The test labs should quote their reference ranges along with the measured values.
Different labs ( demographic regions etc.) can have different "normal" ranges AND there are a number of different test methodologies, each having their own range of normals etc.
Trends are important, in that some patients will show typically low values but a percentage increase regardless of absolute value, would require a closer look by the oncologists. Some folks who do not have typical responses of CEA ( not a marker for them ) would use trends and other markers to help clarify their situations.

Active inflammation anywhere in the body, especially the chest/lungs, can cause CEA elevations not cancer related.

HTH !

Yes! My mom’s always vary among the three places she gets it drawn (regular doctor; chemo hospital; Mayo.

I think it’s the same for any bloodwork really.

Your CEA well within the normal range, some of us dream of a CEA of 1. On the other hand CEA may not be an accurate marker for you as it was way low when you were diagnosed. In that case I’d be more concerned with good scans than with good bloodwork.

Firstly, yes - usually by 1-2 points for me when it was elevated. Different labs, plus things like inflammation, exercise/injury, and smoking can affect it.

Secondly, there are at least 2 different test methods in common use - Roche and Bayer-Siemens. These can give slightly different results with different reference ranges.

Finally, as others have said - there are all very low results. My lab doesn’t even report below 2 (just “<2”) as it’s not clinically relevant usually, and I’m not sure how accurate the decimal is that low.

Anyway, looks like all good news to me!

Cheers
Rob

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s input. The one thing I have found comforting in this support group is the honesty, knowledge & kindness. I hope to return that grace in some way.

When I was debating wether to even ask or not, I knew I’d receive some insight. Thank you for sharing.

I don’t need to get caught up in numbers, as they don’t define my journey. Too much time to over think these days on the porcelain throne...

With gratitude,
Lee