Background
CA 19-9 is a tumour-associated antigen that is reactive with an antibody that was produced in response to immunization with a human colon cancer cell line. Although the antibody was derived from a colon cancer line, studies have found assays for CA 19-9 more useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with pancreatic rather than colon neoplasia. CA 19-9 has also been shown to be a more sensitive and specific marker of pancreatic cancer than other serologic markers.
Reference ranges
0 – 37 U/mL
Specimen requirements
Serum (75 ul) is the recommended sample type for this assay.
Turnaround time
24 hours