What does the Ca 125 Test Measure ?

CA-125 test measures the levels of a specific protein in your blood. CA-125, which stands for cancer antigen 125, is a protein whose levels get affected by certain health conditions. This test is mostly used to diagnose cancer in women at high risk for ovarian cancer.

Abnormal levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin or hematocrit may be a sign of anemia, heart disease or low iron levels in your body.

Low white cell count may be a sign of an autoimmune disorder, bone marrow disorder, or cancer.

High white cell count may be a sign of an infection or a reaction to medicine.

Low platelet count can be a signal of blood cancer, alcoholic liver disease, viral infections like HIV, Hepatitis etc.

Why should I do the Ca 125 Test ?

Ideally any test should be done on advise of doctor. However, CBC is a general test that can be done on your own as well. Incase you are having fever which is not improving even after 3 days of taking anti-pyretic medicine like Paracetamol then a CBC test may be done to rule out any infection. A doctor may also prescribe the test for initial diagnosis of any infection, cancer or any kind of anemia.

How is the Ca 125 Test Done ?

The Ca 125 test is a special blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the phlebotomist at a pathology lab or at home. At Maurya Labs the test is done on a machine called Fully Automatic Analyzer. The sample collection takes less than a minute.

Does Ca 125 Test detect ovarian cancer ?

Yes. If you have ovarian cancer, the cancer cells produce high levels of CA-125 in your body. These levels are detected in a CA-125 blood test and indicate a possibility of ovarian cancer. However, a further diagnosis like biopsy would be required to confirm ovarian cancer.