Ulta Lab Tests

CA-3. Cancer Screening - Women

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: AFP and AFP-L3%, AlphaFetoprotein AFP and AFPL3

AFP

AFP is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver, testes, and ovaries. Though the test is often ordered to monitor people with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C because they have an increased lifetime risk of developing liver cancer. If a person has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or another form of AFP-producing cancer, an AFP test may be ordered periodically to help monitor the person's response to therapy and to monitor for cancer recurrence.

AFP-L3

An AFP-L3% is sometimes also ordered to compare the amount of the AFP variant called AFP-L3 to the total amount of AFP. The test is used to help evaluate the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in those with chronic liver disease, and also to evaluate response of hepatocellular carcinoma to treatment.

Amylase

Also known as: CA 125 Tumor Marker, CA-125, Cancer Antigen 125, OC125, Ovarian Antigen

Ca 125

The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Also known as: CA 153, CA-Breast, Cancer Antigen 15-3, Cancer Antigen-Breast

Ca 15-3

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a protein that is produced by normal breast cells. In many people with cancerous breast tumors, there is an increased production of CA 15-3 and the related cancer antigen 27.29. CA 15-3 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells and enters the bloodstream, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 15-3 is elevated in only about 10% of women with early localized breast cancer but is elevated in about 80% of those with metastatic breast cancer. CA 15-3 may also be elevated in healthy people and in individuals with other cancers (e.g., colon, lung, pancreas, ovary, or prostate malignancies) or certain conditions (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast disease).

Also known as: CA 199, Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9

Ca 19-9

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 19-9 is elevated in 70% to 95% of people with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Small amounts of CA 19-9 are present in the blood of healthy people.

Also known as: CA 2729, Cancer Ag 27-29

Ca 27.29

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Cea

The CEA test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.

Also known as: Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry InSure, FOBT, InSure®, Occult Blood, Stool Blood, Stool Hemoglobin

Fecal Globin Result:

Screen for lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated with colorectal cancer, adenomas, polyps, and other lower gastrointestinal conditions

Gastrin

Also known as: Chorionic Gonadotropin, hCG Total Quantitative, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Hcg), Quantitative , Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Total, Quantitative

HCG, Total, Qn

Also known as: Lactate Dehydrogenase LD, LDH

Ld

LDH isoenzymes is a test to check how much of the different types of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are in the blood. Measurement of LDH isoenzymes helps determine the location of any tissue damage. LDH is found in many body tissues such as the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, blood cells, and lungs. LDH exists in 5 forms, which differ slightly in structure. LDH-1 is found primarily in heart muscle and red blood cells. LDH-2 is concentrated in white blood cells. LDH-3 is highest in the lung. LDH-4 is highest in the kidney, placenta, and pancreas. LDH-5 is highest in the liver and skeletal muscle.

Also known as: Anti-TPO, Antithyroid Antibodies, TgAb, Thyroglobulin Antibodies TgAb, Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb), Thyroid Antibodies, Thyroid Autoantibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb), Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin, Thyroperoxidase Antibody, Thyrotropin Receptor Antibodies, TPOAb, TSH Receptor Antibody, TSI

Thyroglobulin Antibodies

Measurement of thyroglobulin antibodies is useful in the diagnosis and management of a variety of thyroid disorders including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves Disease and certain types of goiter.
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The CA-3. Cancer Screening - Women panel contains 13 tests with 46 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women panel is an extensive diagnostic tool designed for an in-depth analysis of various cancer-related markers, specifically tailored for women. This advanced screening panel integrates additional markers to enhance the detection and monitoring capabilities for a broad spectrum of cancers. It is instrumental in providing a comprehensive overview of a woman's cancer risk profile, facilitating early intervention, and guiding effective treatment strategies.

Collection Method: Blood Draw and Fecal Collection

Specimen Type: Whole Blood, Serum, and Feces

Test Preparation: 12 Hours Overnight Fasting Required

When and Why the CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women Panel May Be Ordered

The CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women panel is typically ordered for women with a high risk of cancer, such as those with a strong family history of cancer, genetic predispositions, or previous cancer diagnoses who require thorough monitoring. It may also be recommended for women experiencing symptoms that suggest possible cancer, including unexplained weight changes, persistent discomfort, or other signs indicative of cancer. This panel is crucial for tracking the effectiveness of ongoing treatments and for monitoring any recurrence or progression of the disease.

What the CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women Panel Checks For

This panel includes several tests that play a pivotal role in the detection and management of cancer:

  • Alpha-Fetoprotein and AFP-L3: Used primarily for liver cancer detection, these markers help differentiate between benign and malignant liver pathologies.

  • Amylase: Elevated amylase levels can indicate pancreatic cancer, which is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • CA 125: A key marker for ovarian cancer, helpful in tracking disease progression and response to therapy.

  • CA 15-3: Primarily used to monitor breast cancer treatment and for detecting recurrence.

  • CA 19-9: While commonly associated with pancreatic cancer, it is also indicative of other gastrointestinal cancers.

  • CA 27.29: This marker is used to monitor breast cancer, particularly assessing therapy effectiveness and disease status.

  • Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets: Provides a general health snapshot and can indicate abnormal conditions or effects of cancer treatment.

  • CEA: A versatile marker, primarily used for colorectal cancer but also for other types of cancer.

  • Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry: Important for screening for colorectal cancer by detecting blood in the stool.

  • Gastrin: Elevated levels can indicate issues like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which can be associated with tumors.

  • Total hCG Quantitative: Besides pregnancy detection, it's used to monitor certain types of cancer.

  • Lactate Dehydrogenase: An indicator of cellular turnover and is often elevated in various cancers.

  • Thyroglobulin Antibodies: Essential for detecting interference in thyroid cancer markers, particularly useful in monitoring recurrence.

Explore Deeper Health Insights with the CA-4 Cancer Screening - Women Panel

For those seeking the ultimate in comprehensive cancer screening, the CA-4 Cancer Screening - Women panel offers an expanded set of markers. This panel includes all the tests found in CA-3 and adds critical markers such as Calcitonin, for detecting medullary thyroid cancer, and Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin for more accurate liver cancer diagnosis. It represents the most detailed and expansive cancer screening available, ideal for high-risk patients or those needing detailed monitoring post-diagnosis.

What Conditions or Diseases the CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women Panel Can Detect

This panel assists in detecting and monitoring several types of cancers:

  • Liver Cancer: Markers like Alpha-Fetoprotein and AFP-L3 provide essential diagnostics.

  • Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancers: Amylase and CA 19-9 levels are critical in identifying these cancers.

  • Ovarian Cancer: CA 125 is a pivotal tool for monitoring and diagnosing this type of cancer.

  • Breast Cancer: CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are utilized for treatment monitoring and recurrence detection.

  • Colorectal Cancer: Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry is used for early screening, essential for effective treatment.

Using the Results of the CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women Panel

Healthcare professionals use the CA-3 panel results to:

  • Tailor Treatments: Based on specific biomarkers, treatments can be personalized to improve efficacy.

  • Monitor Treatment Response: Regular testing provides insights into how well the cancer responds to the chosen treatment strategy.

  • Early Detection and Prevention: Identifying cancer at an early stage can significantly improve the prognosis.

The CA-3 Cancer Screening - Women panel is an invaluable tool in the detection and management of cancer, providing essential insights that can lead to early intervention and more tailored treatment approaches. Its comprehensive range of markers allows for a nuanced understanding of a patient's cancer status, making it an indispensable part of cancer care for women at elevated risk or undergoing treatment.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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