Why is this procedure done?
CA 19-9 is a protein found in the blood. Cancer cells can make this protein. Small amounts of this protein are also found in healthy peoples blood. Doctors use this test to help determine if the signs you are having are caused by cancer or some other illness. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Learn if your treatments are working
- See if your cancer or illness is getting worse
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal.
- If the results are lower than they have been, it means your body is likely responding to your cancer treatment.
- If the results stay the same or are getting higher, your cancer may have come back or may not be responding to your treatment.
- Your doctor may order another test.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood for CA 19-9. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor will tell you when you will get your test results. Your doctor will talk about the results with you in detail.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ca19-9/tab/glance/ ‚
Canadian Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/tests-and-procedures/carbohydrate-antigen-19-9-ca-19-9/?region=sk ‚
Pancreatic Cancer Action ‚
https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/blood-tests/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚