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Choose collection locationTumour Markers · Individual laboratory test
CA-15-3
CA 15-3 is a marker that may be followed in selected patients with an established breast cancer diagnosis. A trend can be more informative than a single figure.
Price for this test on its ownAED 175Test price AED 75
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the CA-15-3 test measure?
Also called Breast Cancer Marker
An oncology team may use serial CA 15-3 in selected patients to add context to other evidence of treatment response.
When it may be requested
Following a specialist plan
CA 15-3 may be used alongside other findings to monitor some patients with established breast cancer.
Reviewing a trend
Repeat results are more meaningful when interpreted with symptoms, examination and imaging.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
No fasting is required. Record the treatment stage and use the same laboratory or bring prior assay details when following changes over time.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideCA-15-3
Reading your result
An isolated increase does not prove progression. Your treating team compares the trend with symptoms, examination and imaging before deciding on its significance.
What can affect it
- CA 15-3 can remain within the reference interval despite breast cancer. It should not be used to replace breast screening.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testCA-15-3
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for CA-15-3 in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Compare the trend with your oncology team's clinical assessment and imaging before drawing conclusions about treatment response.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Can CA 15-3 replace breast screening or imaging?
No. A normal marker does not exclude breast cancer and an increase does not establish progression. Your cancer team interprets the trend alongside your assessment.
Does a high CA-15-3 mean breast cancer has spread?
Not on its own. Higher values are seen more often in metastatic or advanced breast cancer, particularly when it involves bone or liver, but chronic liver disease, benign breast conditions and other cancers can also raise it. Whether cancer has spread is decided by imaging and examination, with the marker trend as supporting information.
Is a normal CA-15-3 during treatment reassuring?
It is helpful but not conclusive. Many breast cancers, especially early ones, never raise CA-15-3, so in those cases a normal value says little about how the disease is behaving. The marker is most informative when your own trend is followed over time, and your oncologist always weighs it against examination, imaging and how you feel.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Cancer Markers (Female)
A defined selection of tumour markers, with a blood count and stool occult blood, for clinician-directed assessment. These results cannot confirm or rule out cancer on their own.
- biomarkers
- 28
- Samples
- Blood + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 499
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Basic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore package
Basic Wellness
A complete blood count with liver enzymes, cholesterol, kidney markers and fasting blood sugar from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 31
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore package
Advanced Health Checkup
A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
- biomarkers
- 72
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 299
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Your next step
CA-15-3 test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.