CEA blood test in Chiswick
Measures CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), a protein most often used to monitor bowel cancer after treatment. A tumour-associated marker that smoking and inflammation can also raise, it is always read alongside a clinical assessment.
What the test measures
Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein produced by cells in the developing gut before birth. Adults normally have only small amounts in the blood. Levels can rise in bowel cancer and some other cancers, so specialists use CEA mainly to monitor people after bowel cancer treatment, where a rising level can prompt further scans.
CEA is not suitable for screening or for deciding whether someone has cancer. Smoking is one of the most common reasons for a mildly raised level, and inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver disease, lung infections and peptic ulcers can also increase it. Many early bowel cancers do not raise CEA. In England, bowel cancer screening is carried out through the NHS home stool test (FIT) sent to eligible adults. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have been treated for bowel cancer and your specialist uses CEA during follow-up.
- You would like to repeat a CEA result that your GP or specialist has been following.
- You have inflammatory bowel disease and your clinician has asked for a CEA level as part of a wider review.
- You want a practitioner to explain what CEA can and cannot tell you before testing.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your CEA with the laboratory reference range, which is often higher in people who smoke. In follow-up after treatment, a steady rise over several samples is more significant than a single reading. In someone without a cancer diagnosis, a raised level is most often linked to smoking or inflammation, but it should still be discussed with your GP.
A normal result does not rule out bowel cancer. Blood in your stools, a lasting change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss or tiredness should be reported to your GP whatever your result. Any abnormal value is used to guide the conversation, not to make a diagnosis.
Preparing for your test
You do not have to fast for this test. Please tell us if you smoke, as this affects the reference range, and about any bowel, liver or lung conditions. Stop biotin or hair, skin and nail supplements for 48 hours before your sample to avoid interference with the laboratory method.
CEA is included in Omnia Signature. If bowel symptoms are your main concern, our calprotectin stool test looks at gut inflammation. Our overview covers every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is a CEA blood test in Chiswick?
The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test costs £49. The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Does smoking affect CEA?
Yes. People who smoke often have higher CEA levels, which is why the laboratory may use a different reference range and why your practitioner will ask about it.
Can CEA screen for bowel cancer?
No. NHS bowel screening uses a home stool test called FIT. CEA is used mainly to monitor people already treated for bowel cancer.
What if my CEA is slightly raised?
A small rise is often linked to smoking or inflammation. Your practitioner will talk through the likely reasons and whether you should see your GP.
