Ovarian Cancer (CA 125) test

How to use a CA125 home test kit for ovarian Cancer screening

You can use our CA125 home test kit in the comfort of your home using our finger-prick blood test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.

What do elevated CA125 levels mean?

A CA 125 test measures the amount of cancer antigen 125 in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of cancer or other medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis, diverticulitis, endometriosis, menstruation, noncancerous ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy or uterine fibroids.

When to use a CA125 home test kit and symptoms to look out for

Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that store eggs and make female hormones. Symptoms of ovarian cancer do not always occur until the latter stages and so it has been called a “silent disease”. Early detection can be difficult, however elevated levels of CA 125 is seen in 90% of women with advanced ovarian cancer and 50% of women with early-stage ovarian cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer are non-specific, but may include abdominal pain and bloating.

CA125 is a tumour marker (a chemical given off by ovarian cancer cells) used to detect for high-risk signs of ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer have higher levels of CA125 in their blood than women who do not.

The CA125 home screening test is useful for monitoring how ovarian carcinoma is responding to treatment or for predicting a patient’s diagnosis after ovarian cancer treatment.

Why monitor CA125 levels at home for early detection of ovarian Cancer

Survival of ovarian cancer depends on the stage at which the cancer has been diagnosed. 93% of people with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer at the earliest stage survive for 5 years or more, compared to 13% of those diagnosed at the latest stage.

What are the benefits of the CA125 test?

• The home test kits are assembled within the UK
• All test kits are security sealed with confidential health test results
• All laboratory testing is performed in an ISO:15189 accredited clinical laboratory

Frequently asked questions about ovarian Cancer (CA 125) test

How does the CA125 test detect ovarian cancer?

The CA125 blood test measures the amount of cancer antigen 125 in a blood sample. Women with ovarian cancer usually have higher levels of CA125 in their blood. If you have high CA125 levels, you will need an ultrasound scan of your pelvis.

What are normal and abnormal CA125 levels in a home test?

Normal levels of CA125 in the blood are 35 U/mL or lower. Abnormal levels of CA125 are higher than 40 U/mL.

How accurate are CA125 blood tests compared to clinical tests?

A CA 125 test is not accurate enough for ovarian cancer screening because high levels of CA 125 can be an indication of other medical conditions.

Can elevated CA125 levels indicate conditions other than cancer?

Yes. The CA125 biomarker can also be used to detect pancreatic, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers. High levels of CA 125 are common in perimenopausal women and a number of benign conditions.

What should I do if my CA125 home test results are positive?

A positive home CA125 test result does not always mean you have ovarian cancer. It should however lead to a follow-up referral for further investigation. Your healthcare provider may want to carry out further tests if they suspect you have ovarian cancer or another type of cancer. Doctors may conduct imaging tests like transvaginal ultrasounds, CT scans, or a surgical biopsy.