CEA levels: what's normal, high and low
A protein elevated in some cancers. Most often used to monitor colorectal cancer treatment.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
CEA is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 3.00 ng/mL. At TestWell it's $119.99 all-in as CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- ng/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $119.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp
CEA 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 – 3.00 ng/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.
What your CEA result may mean
Can reflect colorectal cancer or other GI cancers. Smoking also raises CEA.
What a high CEA 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.
How do you get a CEA test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. CEA is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) | This marker only | $119.99 |
| Men's Cancer Screening Panel | 12 tests | $299.99 |
| Women's Cancer Screening Panel | 12 tests | $299.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for CEA: 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 | Yes | $119.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $119.99 |
| 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 CEA.
Frequently asked
Can reflect colorectal cancer or other GI cancers. Smoking also raises CEA. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your cea?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $119.99.