Preparation
Patient Preparation: Inform the patient that fasting may be required (depending on the marker). Avoid strenuous exercise before the test.
Sample Type: Confirm whether the test requires blood, urine, or tissue samples (commonly serum or plasma for blood tests).
Materials Needed: Collect sterile tubes (e.g., serum separator tubes), needles, alcohol swabs, labels, and a biohazard container.
Sample Collection
Blood Sample: Clean the venipuncture site with alcohol, draw 3-5 mL of blood into the tube, and invert gently to mix with anticoagulant (if needed).
Urine Sample: Collect midstream urine in a sterile container (for markers like BTA or UBC).
Tissue Sample: For biopsies, follow sterile procedures and place samples in formalin or as required.
Sample Handling
Centrifuge blood samples at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to separate serum/plasma.
Label samples clearly with patient details and store at 2-8°C if not tested immediately (freeze at -20°C for long-term storage).
Testing Procedure
Automated Immunoassay: Load samples into the analyzer (e.g., ELISA, CLIA, or EIA systems) and select the tumor marker test (e.g., PSA, CA 125, CEA).
Manual Testing: Add samples to wells coated with antibodies, incubate, wash, and measure absorbance/fluorescence.
Result Interpretation
Compare values with reference ranges (e.g., PSA <4 ng/mL for men).
High levels may indicate malignancy but require further diagnostic confirmation (imaging, biopsy).
Post-Test Steps
Dispose of used materials in biohazard waste.
Document results in the patient’s file and consult a physician for clinical correlation.
