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Test Code CEAPT Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Peritoneal Fluid

Reporting Name

CEA, Peritoneal Fluid

Useful For

An adjunct to cytology to differentiate between malignancy-related and benign causes of ascites formation

Method Name

Immunoenzymatic Assay

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Peritoneal


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw top tube

Specimen Volume: 2 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Peritoneal Frozen (preferred) 90 days
  Ambient  7 days
  Refrigerated  7 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
 

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

CPT Code Information

82378

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CEAPT CEA, Peritoneal Fluid 40622-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
CEAPN CEA, Peritoneal Fluid 40622-3
SITED Site 39111-0

Clinical Information

Malignancy accounts for approximately 7% of cases of ascites formation. Malignant disease can cause ascites by various mechanisms including peritoneal carcinomatosis (53%), massive liver metastasis causing portal hypertension (13%), peritoneal carcinomatosis plus massive liver metastasis (13%), hepatocellular carcinoma plus cirrhosis (7%), and chylous ascites due to lymphoma (7%). The evaluation and diagnosis of malignancy-related ascites is based on the patient clinical history, ascites fluid analysis, and imaging tests.

 

The overall sensitivity of cytology for the detection of malignancy-related ascites ranges from 58% to 75%. Cytology examination is most successful in patients with ascites related to peritoneal carcinomatosis as viable malignant cells are exfoliated into the ascitic fluid. However, only approximately 53% of patients with malignancy-related ascites have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Patients with other causes of malignancy-related ascites almost always have a negative cytology.

 

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein that is shed from the surface of malignant cells. Measurement of CEA in ascitic fluid has been proposed as a helpful test in detecting malignancy-related ascites given the limited sensitivity of cytology.

Specimen Retention Time

12 months

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.