Berkeley, CA · Pacific
Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests Blood Test in Berkeley, CA
Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests is a laboratory test you can request directly in Berkeley, CA. Cancer and tumor marker tests are blood tests that measure substances often linked to certain cancers. They are used alongside other evaluations, not as stand-alone proof of cancer.
Lab requirements in Berkeley
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests in Berkeley, CA. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Fasting is required for this test — follow the collection lab's instructions.
- Preparation
- Preparation varies by the specific marker and the laboratory performing the test. Follow the collection lab's instructions, which may include fasting or timing the sample relative to…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
Tumor markers are proteins, hormones, or other substances that can be produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. These tests measure the amount of one or more markers in a blood sample. Results are interpreted by a clinician in the context of symptoms, imaging, and other tests.
What it measures
- CA-125 — often elevated in ovarian cancer and some other conditions
- CA 19-9 — often elevated in pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers
- CEA — often elevated in colorectal and other cancers
- PSA — often elevated in prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions
- AFP — often elevated in liver and germ cell tumors
- hCG — often elevated in gestational trophoblastic disease and some germ cell tumors
- CA 15-3 — often elevated in breast cancer and some other conditions
- CA 27-29 — often elevated in breast cancer and some other conditions
What the test involves
A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm is the usual method for tumor marker testing. In some cases, a urine sample may be collected instead, depending on the marker being measured.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order tumor marker tests to help monitor a known cancer, assess response to treatment, or check for recurrence after therapy. They are not typically used alone to screen for cancer in people without symptoms.
Preparation
Preparation varies by the specific marker and the laboratory performing the test. Follow the collection lab's instructions, which may include fasting or timing the sample relative to treatment.
How results are reported
Results are reported as a numeric value for each marker, often with a reference range provided by the testing laboratory. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so results should be interpreted using the range from the lab that performed the test.
Requesting this test in Berkeley, CA
Sitting in Pacific, Berkeley is a mid-sized city with a population of roughly 119,607. The Pacific region offers a mix of dense metros, coastal towns, and rural counties with very different access to services.
LabRequirements lists tests with clear descriptions so Berkeley residents can decide what to order before contacting a lab.
Orders are handled confidentially: your information is kept private and results are delivered through a secure portal. Availability, hours, preparation, and pricing can vary by collection site, so confirm those details with the lab before you go.
Before you go
- Whether fasting or other preparation is needed for your specific marker test
- The laboratory's own reference range for each marker being measured
- How and when you will receive your results
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can tumor marker tests diagnose cancer on their own?
No. Tumor marker tests alone cannot diagnose cancer. They are used with other tests, such as imaging and biopsy, to help evaluate a person's condition.
Do elevated tumor marker levels always mean cancer?
No. Many non-cancerous conditions can raise tumor marker levels. A clinician interprets results alongside symptoms, medical history, and other test findings.
Are tumor marker tests used for screening in people without symptoms?
Generally, no. These tests are not recommended for routine screening in people without symptoms because they can produce false results. They are more often used to monitor known cancer or assess treatment response.
How long does it take to get tumor marker test results?
Turnaround time varies by the laboratory and the specific marker being tested. Many results are available within a few business days, but your ordering provider or the lab can give you a more precise timeframe.
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