Laboratory recommendations
This includes: PSA, CEA, CA 125, HE4, the ROMA panel, CA 19-9, CA 72-4, calcitonin and others.
Preparation requirements
Total and free PSA (ИМ.056, ИМ.057): if you have had urological procedures (a rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, biopsy, prostate massage or cystoscopy), agree on the timing of the test with your doctor. For 2–3 days beforehand, avoid sexual intercourse and activities that put pressure on the pelvic area (cycling and horse riding).
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) (ИМ.055): this marker is markedly elevated in active smokers. Do not smoke for at least 1–2 hours before blood collection. Make sure you tell your doctor that you smoke when the results are interpreted.
CA 125, HE4 and the ROMA panel (ИМ.051, ИМ.088, ИМ.096): these markers may react to benign conditions (cysts and endometriosis). Women are advised to have these tests strictly in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (ideally on days 3–5) and outside periods of acute respiratory illness.
Gastrointestinal markers (CA 19-9, CA 72-4) (ИМ.053, ИМ.054): completely avoid fatty food and alcohol for 1–2 days before the test to prevent irritation of liver and pancreatic cells. The test must be taken strictly in the morning on an empty stomach.
General rule for all tumour markers:
- If you have an acute respiratory viral infection, influenza or a high temperature, or have recently had a serious injury or surgery, agree on the timing of tumour marker testing (including calcitonin, NSE, S100 and SCCA) with your doctor. At these times the immune system is activated, causing non-specific false spikes in measurements.