Mid-Atlantic · Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests
Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests in Maryland
Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests is a laboratory test you can request directly. Cancer and tumor marker tests are blood tests that measure substances often linked to certain cancers. They are used alongside other evaluations, not as stand-alone proof of cancer.
Lab requirements in Maryland
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests in MD. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Fasting is required for this test — follow the collection lab's instructions.
- Preparation
- Preparation varies by the specific marker and the laboratory performing the test. Follow the collection lab's instructions, which may include fasting or timing the sample relative to…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI, including MD. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
Tumor markers are proteins, hormones, or other substances that can be produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. These tests measure the amount of one or more markers in a blood sample. Results are interpreted by a clinician in the context of symptoms, imaging, and other tests.
What it measures
- CA-125 — often elevated in ovarian cancer and some other conditions
- CA 19-9 — often elevated in pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers
- CEA — often elevated in colorectal and other cancers
- PSA — often elevated in prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions
- AFP — often elevated in liver and germ cell tumors
- hCG — often elevated in gestational trophoblastic disease and some germ cell tumors
- CA 15-3 — often elevated in breast cancer and some other conditions
- CA 27-29 — often elevated in breast cancer and some other conditions
What the test involves
A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm is the usual method for tumor marker testing. In some cases, a urine sample may be collected instead, depending on the marker being measured.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order tumor marker tests to help monitor a known cancer, assess response to treatment, or check for recurrence after therapy. They are not typically used alone to screen for cancer in people without symptoms.
Preparation
Preparation varies by the specific marker and the laboratory performing the test. Follow the collection lab's instructions, which may include fasting or timing the sample relative to treatment.
How results are reported
Results are reported as a numeric value for each marker, often with a reference range provided by the testing laboratory. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so results should be interpreted using the range from the lab that performed the test.
Before you go
- Whether fasting or other preparation is needed for your specific marker test
- The laboratory's own reference range for each marker being measured
- How and when you will receive your results
Cities
Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests in Maryland communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.