CA 125 Test
About CA 125 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cancer Antigen 125 Test, CA-125 Tumour Marker Test, Glycoprotein Antigen Test, Ovarian Cancer Antigen Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 5 to 7 days |
| Recommended For | Primarily females; males may be tested in specific clinical contexts |
| Price | Starting at ₹1150 |
What Is a CA 125 Test?
The CA 125 test measures the level of a protein called 'cancer antigen 125' in the blood. Doctors use it to help assess ovarian conditions, monitor cancer treatment, and investigate symptoms related to the pelvis or abdomen. It is also known as the cancer antigen 125 test, CA-125 tumour marker test, glycoprotein antigen test, or ovarian cancer antigen test. A small sample of blood drawn from a vein in your arm is all that is needed.
What Does a CA 125 Test Measure?
The cancer antigen 125 test detects the amount of CA 125, a glycoprotein (a protein with sugar molecules attached) found on the surface of many cells. It acts as a tumour marker, a substance produced by certain cancer cells or by normal cells responding to cancer.
The table below shows what the test looks at:
| Parameter | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| CA 125 | A protein found on ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cells, as well as several other tissues. Elevated levels can signal cancer or certain benign conditions. |
Why Is a CA 125 Test Done?
A doctor may request a CA 125 test for several reasons, ranging from investigating symptoms to tracking a known condition over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor orders a CA 125 test:
- Persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Frequent or unexplained bloating
- Difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly
- Needing to pass urine more urgently or frequently than usual
- Unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CA-125 tumour marker test can provide useful information about a range of conditions. These include:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer
- Other cancers, including cervical, uterine, endometrial, pancreatic, lung, colon, and breast cancers
- Endometriosis (tissue from the uterine lining growing outside the uterus)
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Liver conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis
- First-trimester pregnancy (as a physiological, non-cancerous cause of raised levels)
CA 125 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The cancer antigen 125 test plays an important role in the long-term follow-up of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Serial measurements help doctors assess whether a tumour is responding to treatment or showing signs of regrowth. For patients with borderline ovarian tumours, testing is typically advised every 3 to 6 months for up to five years, then annually. For epithelial ovarian cancer, monitoring is generally every 2 to 4 months for the first 2 years, then every 3 to 6 months for a further 3 to 5 years, followed by annual checks.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for a CA 125 test, but a few simple steps will help ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of collection. However, if your doctor has requested additional tests alongside the glycoprotein antigen test, some of those tests may require fasting. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few straightforward steps will help make the process smooth and the result reliable:
- Avoid biotin (vitamin B7) supplements, including hair, skin, and nail vitamins, for at least 12 hours before the test
- Try not to schedule your test during your menstrual period, as CA 125 levels may naturally vary at this time
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Wear loose clothing with easy access to your arm for the blood draw
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens when you go for sample collection:
- A phlebotomist (a trained blood-collection specialist) will ask you to confirm your details and the test being performed.
- The skin on your inner arm, usually near the elbow, will be cleaned with an antiseptic swab.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein. You may feel a brief prick or mild sting.
- A small amount of blood is drawn into a serum collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
- The labelled blood sample is dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence your CA 125 test result. These include:
- Menstrual cycle phase (levels can be higher during menstruation)
- Pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester
- Biotin supplementation
- Different laboratory assay methods (results from one lab may not be directly comparable with those from another)
- Active liver disease or other inflammatory conditions
Understanding Your CA 125 Test Results
Your ovarian cancer antigen test result should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests you have had. The table below shows the general reference range:
| Parameter | Normal Range | What a High Result May Suggest | What a Low Result May Suggest |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 125 | 0 to 35 U/mL | Possible ovarian or other cancer; also raised in benign conditions | Normal, or during treatment, may indicate a good response to therapy |
Note: In postmenopausal women, a value below 15 U/mL is considered normal, which is lower than the general upper limit.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can cause CA 125 levels to rise even without cancer being present:
- First-trimester pregnancy: CA 125 levels are naturally higher in early pregnancy and may produce a falsely elevated reading.
- Menstruation: Levels can be raised during a period, which is why testing at this time is best avoided.
- Endometriosis: This benign condition is a well-recognised cause of elevated CA 125, and the test is sometimes used to help diagnose it.
- Liver disease: Acute and chronic liver conditions, particularly cirrhosis with fluid build-up, can significantly raise CA 125 levels.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support overall health, including gynaecological wellbeing:
- Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy weight, as these are linked to lower cancer risk overall
- Attend regular gynaecological check-ups, particularly if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Report persistent symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pain, or urinary changes to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics CA 125 Test Price and Home Collection
The CA-125 test at Lupin Diagnostics starts at approximately ₹1150, with home sample collection available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1300 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1150 |
| Chennai | ₹1150 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1150 |
| Kolkata | ₹1300 |
| Pune | ₹1150 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the CA-125 test across cities in India, allowing patients to complete testing without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is delivered via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CA 125 test is primarily used to help doctors investigate symptoms that could be related to ovarian conditions, monitor how well cancer treatment is working, and check for signs of recurrence in those previously treated for ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Your doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate for your situation.
Not necessarily. A result above 35 U/mL is considered above the normal range, but raised levels are also seen in many non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, and liver disease. Your doctor will consider your full clinical picture before drawing any conclusions.
No. The cancer antigen 125 test is not recommended as a general screening tool for people without symptoms or known risk factors. It is most useful for those who have symptoms, a family history of ovarian cancer, or who are already undergoing treatment for the condition.
Yes. CA 125 levels can be naturally higher during menstruation and in the first trimester of pregnancy. These are non-cancerous reasons for a raised result. To avoid misleading readings, it is generally best to schedule the test outside your period and to inform your doctor if you are or may be pregnant.
The frequency depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment plan. As a general guide, testing may be done before each chemotherapy cycle and after completing primary therapy. Your oncologist will decide the exact schedule based on your individual needs.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, avoid biotin supplements for at least 12 hours beforehand, and let your doctor know about any other medications you are taking.
Yes, several benign conditions are known to raise CA 125 levels. These include endometriosis, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and menstruation. This is why an elevated result alone is never used to diagnose cancer without further investigation.
CA 125 Test
