CA-125 Blood Test

What is a CA-125 Blood Test?

The CA-125 blood test is a medical test that measures the levels or amount of protein CA-125 or cancer antigen 125, which is a biomarker that can indicate a condition or disease in one's body. This test is commonly performed to monitor one's cancer treatment, check the recurrence of cancer, or screen for ovarian cancer, especially if they're at high risk.

However, it is essential to note that should it be used to screen for ovarian cancer, further testing is required since numerous conditions can increase one's level of CA-125.

With regards to the frequency of the CA-125 blood test, it depends on the patient's situation or condition. During cancer treatment, the patient may have to undergo a test more often to check if the treatment is working. Then, after treatment, a patient is recommended to take the test, first after 2 to 4 months within the first two years, every six months for the three years after that, and then once per year afterward.

High-risk individuals may be asked to undergo the test alongside a transvaginal ultrasound every six months to a year. The procedure of the CA-125 blood test is simple and only requires the collection of a blood sample and a quick analysis in a laboratory.

How does it work?

Step One. Access and Download the Template

Make sure you have a digitally accessible or printable version of the CA-125 blood test template when needed. Do either of the following to obtain a copy:

• Click the Download Template or Use Template button
• Search for CA-125 Blood Test on Carepatron's template library search bar on the app or website

Step Two. Interview, Assess, and Examine the Patient

Before you request, it's best to interview your patient to ask about their symptoms, assess their current condition, or physically examine them to determine if the CA-125 blood test is appropriate. If it is, fill out the request form section of the template.

Step Three. Collect the Sample

Have your client bring the filled-out request form to the laboratory as proof that you requested the CA-125 blood test.

Step Four. Analyze and Interpret the Results

When you or your client have the results, you may pore over them and write down your analysis and interpretation on the second half of the CA-125 blood test template we provided. By doing this, you will have a record of your observations and findings and a guide you can refer to during treatment approach formulation.

Step Five. Store the Template Securely

Whether you filled out both sections of the template or not, you must securely store the template. You may keep them in a secure physical location or on Carepatron, a HIPAA-compliant EHR, to limit access to relevant parties only.

When would you use this test?

Medical practitioners, more specifically oncologists, can use this test for:

Screening

If a patient is exhibiting symptoms or is at risk of having ovarian cancer due to a strong family history of ovarian cancer or because of an inherited gene, the CA-125 Blood Test can be used to screen for mentioned cancer. 

Monitoring 

Patients in the middle of cancer treatment will be asked to undergo a CA-125 blood test to check their condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. In addition, those whose cancer has been treated may be asked to undergo the test to check for cancer recurrence. 

What do the results mean?

Any level higher than 46 U/mL can mean the patient may have early signs, continuing growth, or return of ovarian cancer. Meanwhile, any lower than the mentioned level means the treatment works. 

It's important to note, however, that the results of the CA-125 blood test shouldn't be the only basis for diagnosing ovarian cancer, as the results may indicate other conditions or pregnancy.

References

• Gupta, D., & Lis, C. G. (2009). Role of CA125 in predicting ovarian cancer survival - a review of the epidemiological literature. Journal of Ovarian Research, 2(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-2-13
• Sissons, B. (2022, September 14). What to know about the cancer antigen 125 test. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cancer-antigen-125