Abstract
The only role where the CA 125 test has proven utility is: (i) for monitoring ovarian
cancer (OC); and (ii) for a preoperative test in patients with an ovarian mass. The
aim of our study was to assess the clinical indications for CA 125 determinations
in order to estimate the appropriateness of CA 125 use. During the period of 1 August
1993 through 31 December 1995 all CA 125 assays performed at the laboratory of the
Institut Central des Hôpitaux Valaisans (ICHV) and the data of the patients receiving
these tests were audited in order to identify the clinical indication for the test.
We have considered as ‘correct indication’ a CA 125 test performed: (i) during follow-up
monitoring of patients having an OC and; (ii) as a preoperative test of a suspect
ovarian mass. 462 patients have received a total of 1057 CA 125 assays. 84 (18%) patients
have received 537 (51%) tests for monitoring OC and 68 (15%) patients, 68 tests (6%)
as a preoperative evaluation for an ovarian mass. 310/462 (67%) other patients have
received 452/1057 (43%) CA 125 tests for screening purposes in various clinical situations.
Therefore, only 33% (152/462) patients including 57% (605/1057) of tests, had CA 125
assessments done for the correct indication. The current pattern of practice shows
that a great number of CA 125 requests were inappropriate. Educational actions aimed
at laboratory users concerning the optimal use of CA 125 should be considered in order
to develop a more rational approach.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 26,
2000
Received in revised form:
May 9,
2000
Received:
December 6,
1999
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
