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Tumor Markers

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Normal range < 3.0 nonsmoker (< 5.0 smoker) ng/mL (< 3.0 µg/L SI). Specimen: Serum.

Also known as: carcinoembryonic antigen.

< 3.0 nonsmoker (< 5.0 smoker) ng/mLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA); those can be narrower than the band shown.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) reference range, specimen, and conversion details
SpecimenSerum
Conventional range< 3.0 nonsmoker (< 5.0 smoker) ng/mL
SI range< 3.0 µg/L
Conversion factor×1 (conventional → SI)
PanelTumor Markers

Convert any Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)?

The standard teaching reference range for Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is < 3.0 nonsmoker (< 5.0 smoker) ng/mL in conventional units, or < 3.0 µg/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • Best used to monitor treated colorectal cancer for recurrence, not to screen.
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