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CA125
(a.k.a CA-125)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: C12
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)
Special instructions
Following an update to NICE NG12 on 15th April 2026, new age-related referral thresholds for direct access ultrasound have been introduced.
CA125 Threshold (kU/L):
<40 years old = No recommended threshold
40 - 49 years old = <35
50 - 59 years old = <31
60 - 69 years old = <24
70 - 79 years old = <25
80+ years old = <31
Minimum retesting interval
Test should not be repeated within 7 days.
Units
kU/L
Turnaround Time
1
day
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Arrange urgent, direct access ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis where CA125 is above the age-related threshold.
CA125 should not be used in isolation for decision making for people with female reproductive organs who are aged 39 or under, consider a direct access ultrasound if there is clinical concern.
A raised CA125 may occur during menses and pregnancy but also with any intra-abdominal pathology including benign ovarian cysts, endometriosis and ascites; it is not specific for ovarian malignancy.
Webpage updated: August 2026.
