CA 15-3 test

Who Should Get a CA 15-3 Test Done?

The CA 15-3 test is typically recommended for monitoring breast cancer progression in women. This test is advised for:

• Breast cancer patients undergoing treatment to evaluate treatment response and effectiveness
• Patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, to help track disease progression
• Breast cancer survivors during routine follow-up visits to detect potential cancer recurrence
• Breast cancer survivors who develop new or unexplained symptoms
• Patients enrolled in systematic post-treatment for long-term monitoring

Note: The test is often combined with physical examination and imaging studies for a more accurate assessment of breast cancer progression or recurrence.

Symptoms That May Require a CA 15-3 Test

Doctors may recommend a CA 15-3 test if certain symptoms suggest the possibility of breast cancer or related conditions. These symptoms include:

• Persistent breast lumps or changes in breast tissue
• Unexplained changes in breast size or shape
• Skin changes on the breast, including dimpling or puckering
• Unusual nipple discharge, particularly if bloody
• Persistent bone pain, especially in the spine or ribs
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Changes in breast appearance or texture

It is possible that these symptoms are caused by non-cancerous conditions, however, testing can provide further guidance and help ensure early detection.

MaxAtHome CA 15-3 Test: How It Works

MaxAtHome is dedicated to bringing seamless and reliable diagnostic services right to your doorstep. Here's how our at-home CA 15-3 test service works:

• Effortless Booking: Initiate your CA 15-3 test booking conveniently online through our website, or by simply calling the MaxAtHome helpline number 01244781023.
• At-Home Sample Collection: Once your appointment is confirmed, a highly trained and certified phlebotomist from our team will visit your home at the scheduled time to collect the necessary blood sample. This entire process is typically quick, taking just 5 to 10 minutes of your time.
• Advanced Lab Processing: Your collected sample is then carefully transported in optimal conditions to a NABL-accredited laboratory near you for comprehensive analysis. This ensures the sample's integrity and stability are maintained throughout, guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of your test results.
• Convenient Digital Report Delivery: Upon completion of the analysis, your detailed test report will be securely delivered to you digitally via SMS and email. This digital delivery eliminates the need for any in-person collection, with a standard report turnaround time of 24 hours.

Opting for an at-home CA 15-3 test eliminates the hassle of travel and clinic queues, offering unparalleled convenience, all from the comfort of your home.

How to Prepare for a CA 15-3 Test
Preparing correctly for the CA 15-3 test is essential to obtain accurate and reliable results.Here are a few things to keep in mind before the test:

• A CA 15-3 blood test requires no fasting, and you may eat and drink normally until your doctor advises differently.
• Inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking, especially hormone therapies and cancer treatments, as they may affect your test results.
• Do not take biotin supplements for at least 12 hours before the test, as biotin can interfere with laboratory tests.
• Be sure to follow any instructions or advice given when booking your test.

Time Taken for CA 15-3 Test Results

MaxAtHome generally provides CA 15-3 test results within 24 hours after sample collection. Upon completion, your reports are shared via secured digital channels, ensuring timely and confidential access to your health information. This convenient digital reporting system eliminates the need for in-person laboratory visits.

Understanding Your CA 15-3 Test Report

A common reference range for CA 15-3 is typically below 30 U/mL (Units per milliliter), though this can vary slightly between different laboratories.

What your results could mean:

• Elevated CA 15-3 levels: This may suggest the presence of certain cancers, most notably advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is often used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment or to detect potential recurrence of the disease.
• Stable or decreasing levels: If you are undergoing cancer treatment, stable or falling CA 15-3 levels may indicate that the treatment is working effectively or that the disease is stable.
• Increasing levels: Rising CA 15-3 levels could suggest disease progression or recurrence of cancer.

Important Note: CA 15-3 is a tumor marker and not a diagnostic test for cancer. Elevated levels can also occur in some non-cancerous conditions, such as liver disease, benign breast conditions, or even during pregnancy. A diagnosis of cancer or its recurrence is made based on a comprehensive evaluation including other tests, imaging, biopsy results, and your clinical symptoms, interpreted by your doctor. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for the proper interpretation of your CA 15-3 test report.

Why Choose MaxAtHome for the CA 15-3 Test?

With MaxAtHome, undergoing a CA 15-3 test is convenient, secure, and hassle-free. Here is why you should consider MaxAtHome: 

• Home Sample Collection: Our certified phlebotomists visit your residence to collect blood samples, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine.
• Strict Hygiene Protocols: All sample collections adhere to rigorous safety and cleanliness standards to maintain patient safety and sample integrity.
• Accredited Laboratories: The samples are analysed in our state-of-the-art, NABL-accredited in-house laboratories, guaranteeing the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for your results.
• Transparent Pricing: Clear and upfront pricing with no hidden charges, offering complete cost transparency.
• Digital Result Delivery: Test reports are promptly sent via email and SMS for quick and easy access.

For those looking up “CA 15-3 test near me”, MaxAtHome’s doorstep service offers a practical and reliable solution.