What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being monitored for colon cancer that has come back, spread, or is being tracked during and after treatment. It's especially useful if you've previously received mouse-based antibody treatments, since those can interfere with standard CEA results. Your provider order isn't required to get tested — you can use this to keep an eye on your cancer marker trends directly.

What happens after I get my results?

Your CEA result will show up in your account along with the normal range so you can see exactly where your number falls. If your level is elevated or rising, a common next step is retesting in a few weeks to confirm the trend and discussing any changes with your treatment team. You can download the full standard lab report anytime, and the trends feature lets you track your CEA levels over multiple tests to spot patterns early.

What is CEA and why does it matter?

CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein that can show up in higher amounts when certain cancers, especially colon cancer, are active or growing. It's not used to diagnose cancer on its own, but it's a helpful way to monitor whether a known cancer is responding to treatment or coming back. Tracking CEA over time gives a clearer picture than a single result alone.

How can I naturally support healthy immune and cellular function?

While CEA levels themselves aren't something you can directly lower through lifestyle, supporting your overall health can help your body respond better to treatment. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean protein, staying physically active as tolerated, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol are all good general steps. Managing stress and getting enough sleep also support your immune system during cancer monitoring.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification as soon as they're posted to your account so you don't have to keep checking back. If your results are urgent, contact the lab directly for guidance on faster turnaround options.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people currently in treatment or follow-up care for colon cancer, especially those tracking whether the cancer is responding to therapy or watching for recurrence. It's also specifically useful for anyone who has received mouse monoclonal antibody treatments, since this version pre-treats the sample to remove interference from human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). If you're unsure whether this applies to you, check with whoever managed your antibody treatment.

What does a high CEA result mean?

A high CEA level can suggest that a cancer is active, growing, or has returned, but it can also be elevated for non-cancer reasons like smoking, liver conditions, or inflammation. One high result isn't a diagnosis on its own — it's a signal to retest and look at the trend over time. If your number is significantly elevated, it's important to follow up quickly rather than wait for the next scheduled check.

What causes a false or misleading CEA result?

If you've received mouse monoclonal antibodies as part of cancer treatment, your body may develop human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) that can throw off standard CEA test results, making them falsely high or low. This test specifically pre-treats your sample to remove HAMA interference, giving a more accurate reading. Smoking and certain non-cancer conditions can also affect CEA levels independent of HAMA.

How often should I retest my CEA levels?

Retesting frequency depends on your treatment stage, but many people monitoring for recurrence test every few months as part of routine follow-up. If a result comes back elevated or rising, retesting sooner — often within a few weeks — helps confirm whether it's a real trend or a one-off blip. Using the trends feature in your account makes it easy to see your pattern over multiple tests.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your CEA comes back higher than expected, don't panic — confirm it with a retest and look at the trend rather than one number alone. Keep track of any new symptoms and share your results with whoever is managing your cancer care so they have the full picture. If you experience severe symptoms like significant pain, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning changes, seek medical care promptly.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com 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 support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

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 support@privatemdlabs.com. 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 support@privatemdlabs.com.

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 support@privatemdlabs.com. 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 support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

CEA Test with HAMA Treatment - Cancer Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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