CA 19-9 levels: what's normal, high and low
A protein elevated in pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. Also rises with benign biliary disease.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
CA 19-9 is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 37.0 U/mL. At TestWell it's $28.99 all-in as CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker), results in 2–5 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
- 2–5 business days
- Price
- $28.99
- Labs
- Labcorp
CA 19-9 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 – 37.0 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.
How do you get a CA 19-9 test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. CA 19-9 is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) | This marker only | $28.99 |
| Men's Cancer Screening Panel | 12 tests | $299.99 |
| Women's Cancer Screening Panel | 12 tests | $299.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for CA 19-9: 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 | $28.99 |
| 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 19-9.
Frequently asked
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.
Ready to test your ca 19-9?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $28.99.