Book CA 15-3 Test in Kolkata
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How to Book A CA 15-3 Test in Kolkata?
What is the Ca 15-3 Test used for?
A CA 15-3 test determines the CA 15-3 levels in the blood. When cancerous cells develop in the breast, a consequent increase in CA 15-3 takes place.
The cancerous breast tumours shed higher-than-normal levels of CA 15-3. These higher than usual CA 15-3 then enter the bloodstream. With the help of the CA 15-3 test, detection of the abnormal CA 15-3 levels in the blood can occur. Higher than normal levels and overexpression of this protein has been correlated with more advanced stages of breast cancer or tumour size. CA 15-3 levels increase as the tumour grows. The highest levels may be seen in breast cancer that spreads to other body parts, particularly bone and liver.
So, this test can help find out how well the patient is responding to breast cancer treatment. Also, doctors may use this test to determine if cancer returns after treatment.
What is included in the CA 15-3 Test?
The test measures the levels of Cancer antigen 15-3: CA 15-3 is a type of protein that is overexpressed by the cancerous cells of the breast. This protein is released into the blood by various kinds of malignant glandular cancer cells, like breast cancer cells.
Procedure for CA 15-3 Test
- You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the Ca 15-3 test.
- The CA 15-3 test is done with a blood sample. So, a needle is used to draw blood from a vein for this particular test.
- The CA 15-3 test usually takes place in either a private or hospital lab.
The lab technician would then run this test on the collected sample to measure CA 15-3 in the body.
How to prepare for the CA 15-3 Test?
As already mentioned, no special preparation is needed before the CA15-3 test. In the CA 15-3 test, there is no need for you to fast a few hours before this test.
However, you must inform your doctor about a medication course that you may be on before the CA 15-3 test. Your doctor may require you to stop taking these medications before undergoing the CA 15-3 test.
Things to consider after the CA 15-3 Test is complete.
If there is an elevation in the CA 15-3 results, your doctor may order additional tests. Your doctor may also decide to watch and wait if the levels are mildly elevated. Your cancer specialist may order a repeat test after several weeks.
Cancer specialists may also order additional testing if the elevation does not reduce with time or increases. The CA 15-3 test may also be ordered with hormone receptor tests or other genetic expression tests as a part of breast cancer evaluation and management plan.
What conditions can the CA 15-3 Test detect?
The CA 15-3 is effective in detecting and monitoring the following:
- Localised and metastatic breast cancer that spreads to other parts of the body
- Understanding the prognosis or outcome of these cancers
- Response to treatment regimens for breast cancers
- Recurrence of breast cancers or other glandular cancers
If your doctor asks you to undergo a CA 15-3 test, it is for one of the following two reasons:
- For regularly tracking your CA 15-3 values. This helps in forming an assessment of the effectiveness of your cancer treatment.
- To see if the CA 15-3 antigens rise beyond the average level. If this happens, it would mean that your cancer may be spreading or growing. In such a case, your doctor would look for metastasis or spread in other body parts, especially the liver and bones.
How much does a CA 15-3 Test cost?
The CA 15-3 Test cost may vary from city to city. However, the price for this test ranges from Rs 923 and Rs 1270 in various Indian cities. From the below table, you can find the expected approximate average cost for the CA 15-3 Test:
City Name | Price (In INR) |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Bangalore | 1270 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Gurugram | 1218 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Delhi | 1145 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Kolkata | 1204 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Hyderabad | 1069 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Mumbai | 1155 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Indore | 1196 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Ahmedabad | 923 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Chennai | 1151 |
Book CA 15-3 Test in Jaipur | 1262 |
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the CA 15-3 Test result?
The test results are usually available within 24-28 hours, depending on the location and lab chosen.
What do abnormal CA 15-3 Test results indicate?
CA 15-3 levels can be higher than usual with conditions that are cancerous and non-cancerous as well. Usually, an increase in the CA 15-3 occurs in breast cancer that has metastasized and spread to other body regions.
The higher the CA 15-3 in the blood would consequently mean the presence of more cancerous cells. When breast cancer metastasizes to the liver or bones, the highest levels become. If the treatment turns out to be effective, the level of CA 15-3 reduces and returns to normal. Sometimes the CA 15-3 levels may increase over time. This may be an indication that the treatment is not effective and the cancer is not responding to it. It may also mean that the cancer is recurring or returning after the treatment.
Apart from breast cancers, CA 15-3 may also be higher than usual in the case of cancers of the prostate, ovary, pancreas, liver, colon, endometrial and lung regions. However, these levels do not go as high as breast cancer.
Kindly note that elevation of CA 15-3 levels can also be seen in healthy individuals in benign conditions, but they tend to remain stable over time in mild conditions, unlike in malignancy, where levels rise quickly. Other benign causes of elevated CA 15-3 levels are liver cirrhosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, SLE, endometriosis.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is CA 15-3 Test a definitive test?
The CA 15-3 test is not definitive. This is because it is not very reliable and accurate for cancer screening, even though it is effective for monitoring treatment response to breast cancer. CA 15-3 is not valuable for breast cancer screening because it is not specific.
Various conditions can also increase the CA 15-3 levels like the following:
- Acute hepatitis
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Sarcoidosis
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Liver cancer
- Liver cirrhosis
- Benign breast conditions
- Lung cancer
- Systemic Lupus erythematosus
- Prostate cancer
- Tuberculosis
Besides the above-mentioned conditions, CA 15-3 level can also be increased due to pregnancy. Also, this test suffers from low sensitivity and may not accurately show up even in actual breast cancer.
How to read the CA 15-3 Test report?
A normal test result for CA 15-3 levels will generally measure up to 30 units per millilitre (U/ml) or below it. The oncologist or cancer specialist will help interpret your results to other pre-existing co-morbidities and medications.
CA 15-3 levels that continue to increase over time may indicate the following information:
- Treatment is not turning out to be effective
- Cancer is spreading continuously
- Cancer is recurring after the treatment
Decreasing CA 15-3 may be an indication that the treatment is working correctly.
Sometimes, a person with regular CA 15-3 levels may still suffer from advanced breast cancer. CA 15-3 levels may not be high enough for conducting this test in the early cancer stages.
In some cases, advanced breast cancer may not lead to the release of CA 15-3.
Additional tests can supplement a CA 15-3 test and increase its accuracy. These additional tests, along with the CA 15-3 test, can reveal the true and accurate picture of how cancer affects the body.
Why book CA 15-3 Test?
- Your oncologist may advise the test to monitor your response to cancer therapy and also to understand the outcome of your cancer.
- The specialist will also help you understand if the increased levels are significant or not to begin with.
CA 15-3 Test at home – how does it work?
The CA 15-3 test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The phlebotomist first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with the CA 15-3 Test?
There are minimal risks for this test. However, some people may experience the following symptoms that may occur as a part of blood drawing:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Mild stinging or pain at the point of insertion
- Soreness
Some people may also experience light-headedness after this test. Proper hydration is important.
What can affect the results for CA 15-3 Test?
Breast cancer most commonly affects the CA 15-3 test results. CA 15-3 may be higher than normal in cancer of the lung, pancreas, ovary and prostate regions, but these levels are not as high as with breast cancer. Non-cancerous conditions can also increase CA 15-3 levels. Such non-cancerous conditions are liver disease, inflammatory disease, and endometriosis.
Why Book the CA 15-3 Test?
- The CA 15-3 test is usually scheduled for the following reasons:
- Monitoring and assessing stage 4 breast cancer.
- Detecting secondary tumours that have developed in other parts of the body.
- Oncologists recommend scheduling a CA 15-3 test to track your CA 15-3 values and assess the effectiveness of your cancer treatment.
- This test is useful for detecting metastasis in other parts of the body, which could occur as your disease progresses. Metastasis usually occurs in the liver or bones.
- If your body is constantly exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you get the CA 15-3 Test as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
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What Does the CA 15-3 Test measure?
- This test measures the concentrations of the cancer antigen 15-3 in the blood. The CA 15-3 antigen is released into the bloodstream by a variety of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells.
What Preparation is Needed for the CA 15-3 Test?
- The CA 15-3 Test is a simple test that requires little to no preparation or precautions. Before going for the test,
- Health experts recommend patients inform them of underlying health conditions.
- Food intake is not a determining factor for the results of the test, so fasting is not necessary.
- You must let your treating doctor know about any supplements you take now or have taken in the past.
- Additionally, if you have any allergies, please mention them.
- You should inform your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking or have taken.
- You should also inform us if you're pregnant or trying.
- The Test should be conducted comfortably by wearing something loose and easy.
- Besides this, if there is any other information, you will be updated about the same.
What Happens to Your CA 15-3 Test Sample?
What do Abnormal Results Indicate?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avail at-home sample collection in Kolkata?
Yes, you can easily avail of sample collection for various Tests at home through MFine. With a single click, you can book a slot for a test without going anywhere. Your test results will be available for download within 48 hours.
What is the cost of the CA 15-3 Test in Kolkata?
The cost of several tests depends upon different laboratories and the infrastructure used by the laboratories. Different cities have varied prices too. The approximate price for the CA 15-3 Test in Kolkata ranges from Rs 1204, per person.
I stay in Chennai. Can I book a CA 15-3 Test for my grandfather staying in Kolkata?
Yes, you can easily book the CA 15-3 Test for your relatives in places where the MFine services are easily available.
How can I reschedule my appointment for a CA 15-3 Test sample?
You can easily reschedule the appointment for a CA 15-3 Test through the MFine app. The app has an option to reschedule the sample collection date and time.
Is the lab technician coming for a CA 15-3 Test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask and using sanitizer and gloves during sample collection.
When is the CA 15-3 Test recommended?
The CA 15-3 Test is typically recommended for individuals to monitor their body’s response to breast cancer treatment and if the disease recurs. The CA 15-3 Test is recommended if you are experiencing pain in your breast area.
Is a prescription required to book a CA 15-3 Test?
The main reason for performing the CA 15-3 Test is to determine the body’s response to breast cancer treatment. It is primarily recommended by your healthcare professional prior to submitting you to the tests.
Does MFine provide result interpretation along with the reports?
Yes. Along with the reports, MFine offers result interpretation. You will also be able to get a free doctor consultation after the lab test to ensure that you understand your results correctly. Based on the results, our doctor will also advise and prescribe medications as needed.
Is the CA 15-3 Test definitive?
No, the CA 15-3 Test is not definitive. CA 15-3 is not valuable for breast cancer screening because it is not specific. Various conditions increase the CA 15-3 levels in the human body like the following:
- Acute hepatitis.
- Colon cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Liver Cancer & cirrhosis.
- Benign breast conditions.
- Lung cancer.
Therefore, always consult your doctor before and after the test.
What other tests are usually recommended along with the CA 15-3?
Since the CA 15-3 test is not definitive, your doctor may advise you on other tests to confirm the presence of any malignant tumors or cancerous cells.
What diseases can be detected through the CA 15-3 Test?
The CA 15-3 Test is conducted to detect one or more forms of cancer.
How can I download my CA 15-3 Test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click Attachment and Reports
- Click Lab Report and download the same.
Are there any discount offers running on the CA 15-3 Test in Kolkata?
Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on the CA 15-3 Test through MFine. However, the discount and Test price may vary based on lab partner and location.