The CA 15-3 looks at a breast cancer marker. It is done for: monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
No fasting needed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Possible cancer activity; also benign causes. Low or negative may mean: Normal. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
A breast cancer marker.
Blood
Possible cancer activity; also benign causes.
Normal.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the CA 15-3 measure?
A breast cancer marker.
Why is the CA 15-3 done?
Monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
Do I need to fast for the CA 15-3?
No fasting needed.
What does a high or positive CA 15-3 mean?
Possible cancer activity; also benign causes.
What does a low or negative CA 15-3 mean?
Normal.
What is the normal range for the CA 15-3?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is CA 15-3 done?
Monitoring known breast cancer (not for screening).
Do I need to prepare or fast for CA 15-3?
No fasting needed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Possible cancer activity; also benign causes. Low or negative may mean: Normal. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references