CEA

You should get a CEA test if your doctor suspects or has diagnosed colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, lung, or breast cancer. It is usually done before treatment to set a baseline, during treatment to check response, and regularly after treatment to detect recurrence. It is not recommended for routine cancer screening in healthy people.

No special preparation or fasting is required for a CEA test. Inform your doctor if you smoke, as smoking can raise CEA levels. Stop biotin supplements 48–72 hours beforehand, as they may interfere with results. For monitoring, get your tests done at the same lab each time for consistent comparison.

No, fasting is not required for a CEA test. You can eat and drink normally before giving your sample. However, inform your doctor if you smoke, as it can raise CEA levels, and stop biotin supplements 48–72 hours beforehand. If other fasting tests are ordered alongside it, follow those instructions.