Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Practice Test 2026 - Free Clinical Chemistry Practice Questions and Study Guide

Carcinoembryonic antigen is a glycoprotein that serves as a tumor marker. Its levels are often elevated in various cancers, including colorectal cancer and some lung cancers, and serial measurements help monitor treatment response and detect recurrence, especially in colon cancer. Quantification of CEA relies on immunoassays that use antibodies to specifically detect the antigen, such as ELISA or chemiluminescent immunoassays. Capillary electrophoresis, while a separation technique for certain analytes, is not a standard method used to quantify CEA in clinical practice. Therefore, stating that CEA is quantified by capillary electrophoresis is not true.