Test Price
180 AED✅ Home Collection Available
CA 19-9 Tumor Marker Test for Pancreatic Cancer Monitoring | Dubai
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
CA 19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9) is a serum tumor marker used primarily for monitoring pancreatic cancer treatment response and detecting recurrence. The test employs a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) methodology with superior diagnostic sensitivity exceeding 99%, delivering same-day results. This assay is ordered by oncologists and gastroenterologists to track disease progression and guide therapeutic decisions. All testing is conducted under ISO 9001:2015 certified processes at DNA Labs UAE, with DHA-licensed oversight for clinical accuracy and patient safety.
- Diagnostic Sensitivity: >99% via standardized CMIA methodology.
- Clinical Application: Monitoring pancreatic cancer therapy and detecting recurrence.
- Logistics: VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
- Post-Test Support: Free telephone consultation for result interpretation.
- Insurance & Billing: Direct verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The CA 19-9 blood test measures circulating antigen levels in serum using a highly sensitive chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). This advanced method offers superior precision and faster turnaround compared to traditional ELISA, enabling same-day clinical decision-making. Results must be interpreted alongside imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET) and other biomarkers such as CEA for comprehensive oncologic assessment.
| Feature | Our Test (CMIA) | Standard ELISA |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay | Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay |
| Precision (Sensitivity) | >99% | ~85–90% |
| Turnaround Time | Same-day (Daily) | 24–48 Hours |
| Accreditation | ISO 9001:2015 & DHA | Varies |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
In my clinical practice, I emphasize that CA 19-9 is not a standalone screening tool but a monitoring adjunct for established pancreaticobiliary malignancies. Elevations must always be correlated with contrast-enhanced imaging and clinical context, as benign conditions such as acute pancreatitis or cholangitis can produce false-positive results. Serial trend analysis provides far greater clinical utility than a single absolute value. Patients should never alter or discontinue prescribed therapies based solely on tumor marker fluctuations without consulting their managing oncologist.
— Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, Specialist Diagnostic Radiology, DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Exclusion Criteria & Clinical Red Flags
Exclusion Criteria: This test is not intended for cancer screening in asymptomatic populations. Results may be falsely elevated in patients with acute pancreatitis, biliary obstruction, cholangitis, or following recent ERCP. Patients with known biliary strictures, active liver disease, or pregnancy may require alternative diagnostic approaches. A confirmatory imaging study is mandatory before any therapeutic decision.
Emergency Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, jaundice with pruritus, high fever with rigors, or persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration. These symptoms may indicate acute pancreatitis, ascending cholangitis, or malignant biliary obstruction requiring urgent intervention.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the CA 19-9 test used for?
The CA 19-9 test quantitatively measures carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in serum as a tumor marker for monitoring pancreatic cancer treatment and detecting recurrence. It is primarily ordered by oncologists and gastroenterologists to track disease progression or response to therapy. Results are interpreted alongside imaging (CT, MRI, PET) and clinical findings for a comprehensive assessment.
2. Is fasting required before the CA 19-9 test?
No fasting is required for this test. A 2 mL serum sample is collected via a standard SST tube (gold-top). Please provide a brief clinical history to aid accurate interpretation, including any recent abdominal procedures, episodes of jaundice, or known pancreaticobiliary conditions. The sample is transported under refrigerated cold-chain conditions to preserve antigen stability.
3. What can cause falsely elevated CA 19-9 levels?
Falsely elevated CA 19-9 levels can occur in benign conditions such as acute or chronic pancreatitis, biliary obstruction (cholelithiasis, cholangitis), liver cirrhosis, and acute cholangitis. Recent ERCP or biliary stenting may also transiently elevate levels. Additionally, individuals who are Lewis blood group negative (approximately 5–10% of the population) do not produce CA 19-9 and will have undetectable levels regardless of disease status.
4. How long does it take to get results?
Results are reported on the same day the sample is received at the laboratory. The CMIA methodology enables rapid automated processing with results typically available within 6–8 hours of collection. You will receive a secure digital report via email or our patient portal, along with a complimentary telephone consultation to discuss the clinical implications.
5. Is this test covered by health insurance in Dubai?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. DNA Labs UAE offers direct insurance verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731 prior to testing. For self-pay patients, the test is priced at 180 AED inclusive of VIP home collection (available daily 8 AM–11 PM) and the post-test physician consultation.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Compliance with UAE Health Data Protection Frameworks
All patient data and clinical testing at DNA Labs UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. These federal statutes mandate strict confidentiality, consent-based data processing, and secure electronic health information transfer. Clinical laboratory operations and patient safety protocols adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, ensuring accountability and standardized care delivery. Our DHA-licensed facility (License No. 1143) is subject to regular audit and inspection by the Dubai Health Authority to maintain compliance with all applicable healthcare regulations.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | CA 19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9) Tumor Marker, Serum |
| Price (AED) | 180 AED (includes VIP home collection & physician consultation) |
| Turnaround Time | Same-day (results available within 6–8 hours of sample receipt) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Serum (2 mL from SST gold-top tube) |
| Methodology Used | Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | C25.9 (Malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified), Z85.07 (Personal history of malignant neoplasm of pancreas), R97.8 (Other abnormal tumor markers) |
| LOINC Code | 23437-5 (Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 [Units/volume] in Serum or Plasma) |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License No. 1143 | DNA Labs UAE | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. Insurance verification: +971 54 548 8731 (WhatsApp).
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