CA 19-9 is a cancer antigen protein. It is a type of tumor marker. Tumor markers are substances made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. It generally rises in pancreatic cancer but sometimes high levels may indicate cirrhosis or gallstonesThe test is not considered as a screening test for diagnosis of cancer by itself. It can help in monitoring and following the progress of the treatment.
Interpretation: In general, the higher the levels in blood, the more cancer there is in the body. If pancreatic cancer has spread to the other parts of the body, the levels will be higher. If the levels are lower after the treatment, this means that the therapy is successful. In benign condutions, it may also drop to normal levels after the therapy. Low levels are noninterpretable
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: The same day at 6:00 PM
