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CA 19-9 cancer marker test for individuals monitoring pancreatic and digestive health

CA 19-9 Blood Test for Pancreatic & Digestive Health

Carbohydrate Antigen (CA) 19-9

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Detect early signs of pancreatic issues
  • Unveil hidden factors affecting digestion
  • Clarify unexplained abdominal discomfort
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained abdominal discomfort, persistent digestive issues, or have a family history of pancreatic or gastrointestinal conditions. It helps monitor disease activity in people already diagnosed with certain gastrointestinal cancers like pancreatic, liver, gastric, or colorectal tumors, and can help predict relapse following treatment. Many people use this test as part of ongoing monitoring rather than initial screening, as it's most useful when tracked over time.

What's included in this test?

Ca 19-9

This test measures CA 19-9, a carbohydrate antigen that can be elevated in people with certain gastrointestinal cancers including pancreatic, liver, gastric, and colorectal tumors. It's primarily used for monitoring disease progression or treatment response rather than screening, helping doctors understand whether cancer activity is increasing, decreasing, or stable over time.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your CA 19-9 levels mean and how they relate to your digestive health or monitoring needs. These notes include personalized recommendations on whether you need follow-up testing, lifestyle considerations, or when to consult with an oncologist or gastroenterologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your CA 19-9 levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for monitoring treatment response or disease activity.

Who should consider getting this test?
This test is most useful for people already diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers who need to monitor disease activity or treatment effectiveness. It's also considered for individuals with unexplained persistent abdominal symptoms, significant digestive issues, or strong family history of pancreatic or gastrointestinal cancers. It's important to note that CA 19-9 should not be used as a general screening test in healthy individuals.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Symptoms that might warrant this test include persistent unexplained abdominal pain, significant unexplained weight loss, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), persistent digestive problems, or changes in stool patterns. However, this test is typically ordered by a doctor as part of cancer monitoring rather than for initial symptom investigation, so discuss any concerning symptoms with your healthcare provider first.
What does elevated CA 19-9 mean?
Elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate active gastrointestinal cancer, particularly pancreatic, liver, gastric, or colorectal tumors. However, levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions like pancreatitis, gallstones, liver disease, or even some benign digestive disorders. This is why CA 19-9 is best used for monitoring known cancers rather than diagnosis, and results should always be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your full medical history.
What is CA 19-9 and why does it matter?
CA 19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9) is a protein found on the surface of certain cells that can be released into the bloodstream, especially when certain types of cancer are present. It matters because tracking CA 19-9 levels over time helps doctors monitor how well cancer treatment is working or detect if cancer is coming back after treatment. Rising levels may suggest disease progression, while falling levels often indicate successful treatment response.
How often should I retest my CA 19-9 levels?
If you're being monitored for gastrointestinal cancer or recovering from treatment, your doctor will typically order CA 19-9 testing every 1-3 months during active treatment or surveillance. The frequency depends on your specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and whether levels are stable or changing. Your oncologist will create a personalized monitoring schedule based on your individual situation and treatment response.
What happens if my CA 19-9 results are abnormal?
If your CA 19-9 is elevated, your doctor will evaluate the results along with imaging studies, other blood tests, and your symptoms to determine the cause. Rising levels in someone with known cancer may prompt treatment adjustments or additional scans, while elevated levels in someone without cancer diagnosis require further investigation. Your doctor may recommend follow-up testing, imaging studies like CT or MRI, or consultation with a gastroenterologist or oncologist.
Can CA 19-9 be elevated without cancer?
Yes, CA 19-9 can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions including pancreatitis, gallstones, cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other digestive disorders. Some people also naturally produce little to no CA 19-9 due to genetic factors, making the test less useful for them. This is why CA 19-9 is not recommended as a screening test for cancer in healthy people and should be interpreted carefully by your healthcare provider alongside other clinical information.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
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US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
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Demo results
CA 19-9 42 U/mL
Demo results
Normal < 37 Elevated ≥ 37
42 U/mL

What this means

Your CA 19-9 level is slightly above the normal reference range. While this is a mild elevation and not necessarily concerning on its own, it warrants monitoring and discussion with your healthcare provider, especially if you have gastrointestinal symptoms or a history of digestive conditions.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
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Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

CA 19-9 Blood Test for Pancreatic & Digestive Health

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Detect early signs of pancreatic issues
  • Unveil hidden factors affecting digestion
  • Clarify unexplained abdominal discomfort

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.