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CA-125
Formal name: Cancer Antigen 125
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?CA-125 is a protein often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and in some normal tissues. It is one of the protein antigens that have been associated with the presence of various cancers but is most often positive for ovarian cancer. CA-125 levels may also be high in other types of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
August 3, 2005.
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