--- title: CEA Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/cea" also_known_as: - cea - carcinoembryonic antigen category: Heart Health units: - ng/mL order_price_usd: 119.99 order_item: CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/cea-test" reviewed_at: 2026-09-05 --- # CEA > 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. Also known as: cea, carcinoembryonic antigen. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | ng/mL | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | Not required | | Results | 2–4 business days | | Price | $119.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp | ## What does CEA measure? A protein elevated in some cancers. Most often used to monitor colorectal cancer treatment. ## What is the normal range for CEA? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18+ | 0.000 – 3.00 ng/mL | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high CEA mean? Can reflect colorectal cancer or other GI cancers. Smoking also raises CEA. ## How do you get tested for CEA? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cea-test) | Single test | $119.99 | This marker | | [Men's Cancer Screening Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/mens-cancer-screening-panel) | Panel | $299.99 | 12 tests | | [Women's Cancer Screening Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/womens-cancer-screening-panel) | Panel | $299.99 | 12 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $119.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $119.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — | Not available in NY/NJ for this test. | - [What a high CEA means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/cea/high) ## Common questions about CEA ### 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. ## Sources - [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/9290) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — CEA Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cea-test/) ## Related biomarkers - [Apolipoprotein B](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/apolipoprotein-b) - [Lipoprotein(a)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lipoprotein-a) - [NT-proBNP](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/nt-probnp) - [Homocysteine](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/homocysteine) - [LDL Particle Number](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-number) - [Small LDL Particle](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/small-ldl-particle) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-05. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/cea Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.