CA-125 levels: what's normal, high and low
A protein elevated in many ovarian cancers. Also rises with benign conditions like endometriosis or menstruation.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
CA-125 is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 35.0 U/mL. At TestWell it's $34.99 all-in as CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker), results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- U/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $34.99
- Labs
- Labcorp
CA-125 Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 35.0 U/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your CA-125 result may mean
Most often monitored in known ovarian cancer. Many benign causes — interpretation requires clinical context.
What a high CA-125 means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high CA-125 mean?
CA-125 is raised in most advanced ovarian cancers, which is why it is used to monitor treatment — but it is also raised by menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease and any fluid in the abdomen or chest. In premenopausal women a mildly high value is far more often benign than malignant. After menopause, a high CA-125 with a pelvic mass on ultrasound is evaluated urgently.
Common causes of a high CA-125
- Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease
- Menstruation (draw after day 5), pregnancy
- Liver disease, ascites, pleural effusion, heart failure
- Ovarian, endometrial, fallopian tube and some other cancers
- Recent abdominal surgery
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Bloating, pelvic pressure, early fullness, urinary frequency — the ovarian cancer symptoms to take seriously if persistent
- Often none
What clinicians usually check next
- Pelvic ultrasound — the essential next step
- Repeat CA-125 outside menstruation in 4–6 weeks
- Gynecology referral; gyn-oncology when postmenopausal with a mass
Follow-up tests at TestWell: CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) ($28.99).
Seek care promptly if
- High CA-125 with a pelvic mass, rapid abdominal swelling or unexplained weight loss — prompt gynecologic oncology evaluation
Is CA-125 a good ovarian cancer screening test?
Not in average-risk women — too many false positives and it misses early disease. It is used with ultrasound in high-risk women and to monitor known cancer.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a CA-125 test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. CA-125 is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) | This marker only | $34.99 |
| Women's Cancer Screening Panel | 12 tests | $299.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for CA-125: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | No | — |
| Labcorp | Yes | $34.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside CA-125.
Frequently asked
What does a high CA-125 mean?
CA-125 is raised in most advanced ovarian cancers, which is why it is used to monitor treatment — but it is also raised by menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease and any fluid in the abdomen or chest. In premenopausal women a mildly high value is far more often benign than malignant. After menopause, a high CA-125 with a pelvic mass on ultrasound is evaluated urgently.
Is CA-125 a good ovarian cancer screening test?
Not in average-risk women — too many false positives and it misses early disease. It is used with ultrasound in high-risk women and to monitor known cancer.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my ca-125?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get CA-125 results?
Most CA-125 results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a CA-125 test cost?
Our CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) starts at $34.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my CA-125 test?
Fasting is not required for the CA-125 test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my CA-125 test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your ca-125?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $34.99.