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 · BioReference in NY/NJ
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.
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 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.
What does a high CEA mean?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a tumor marker used mainly to monitor known colorectal cancer, not to screen for it: smokers run higher baselines, and benign conditions — inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, lung infections, hypothyroidism — raise it modestly. A markedly high or rising CEA in someone with cancer history is followed up promptly; a mildly high value in a well smoker is usually smoking.
Common causes of a high CEA
- Smoking (baseline up to ~5 ng/mL)
- Colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, lung, breast and other cancers
- Inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis
- COPD, pneumonia, hypothyroidism
- Benign breast disease
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None from CEA itself
What clinicians usually check next
- Repeat in 4–6 weeks; smoking history
- In cancer survivors: oncology review and imaging per surveillance plan
- In the general population: colonoscopy is the screening tool, not CEA
Seek care promptly if
- A rising CEA in someone with a cancer history — contact the oncology team
Can CEA detect colon cancer early?
No — it is normal in many early cancers and high in many benign conditions, so guidelines don't use it for screening. Its value is tracking treated 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 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) | Yes | $119.99 |
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
What does a high CEA mean?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a tumor marker used mainly to monitor known colorectal cancer, not to screen for it: smokers run higher baselines, and benign conditions — inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, lung infections, hypothyroidism — raise it modestly. A markedly high or rising CEA in someone with cancer history is followed up promptly; a mildly high value in a well smoker is usually smoking.
Can CEA detect colon cancer early?
No — it is normal in many early cancers and high in many benign conditions, so guidelines don't use it for screening. Its value is tracking treated cancer.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my cea?
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 CEA results?
Most CEA 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 CEA test cost?
Our CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) starts at $119.99. 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 CEA test?
Fasting is not required for the CEA test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my CEA 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 cea?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $119.99.