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Official Description

Immunoassay for tumor antigen, quantitative; CA 125

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A quantitative immunoassay for tumor antigen CA 125 is a laboratory test that measures the level of the CA 125 protein in the blood. CA 125 is a type of tumor marker, which is a substance produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. The presence of elevated levels of CA 125 in the serum can indicate the presence of a malignant neoplasm, particularly in the context of ovarian cancer. This test is particularly significant for patients who have a documented ovarian mass, as it aids in differentiating between benign and malignant conditions. Additionally, the CA 125 test is utilized to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients who have already been diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, or endometrial cancer. The test employs an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay test kit, which is a sophisticated method that enhances the sensitivity and specificity of the measurement. Regular monitoring of tumor antigen levels is essential, as it provides valuable information regarding the progression or regression of the malignancy when used alongside other clinical assessments.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The quantitative immunoassay for tumor antigen CA 125 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Ovarian Mass Evaluation This test is performed in patients with a documented ovarian mass to assist in determining whether the mass is benign or malignant.
  • Monitoring Treatment Response It is used to monitor the response to treatment in patients who have an established diagnosis of ovarian, fallopian tube, or endometrial cancer.
  • Progression or Regression Monitoring Periodic testing of CA 125 levels is utilized in conjunction with other clinical methods to monitor the progression or regression of malignancy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the quantitative immunoassay for tumor antigen CA 125 involves several key steps:

  • Sample Collection A blood sample is drawn from the patient, typically from a vein in the arm. This sample is then processed to separate the serum, which is the component of blood that will be tested for CA 125 levels.
  • Preparation of the Test Kit The electrochemiluminescent immunoassay test kit is prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. This preparation may involve calibrating the equipment and ensuring that all reagents are ready for use.
  • Assay Procedure The serum sample is then introduced into the test kit, where it interacts with specific antibodies that bind to the CA 125 antigen. The assay measures the amount of CA 125 present in the serum by detecting the electrochemiluminescent signal generated during the reaction.
  • Result Interpretation After the assay is complete, the results are analyzed and quantified. The level of CA 125 is reported, and this data is interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical situation, including any existing ovarian masses or cancer diagnoses.

3. Post-Procedure

After the quantitative immunoassay for tumor antigen CA 125 is completed, the patient may resume normal activities immediately, as there are typically no significant post-procedure restrictions. The results of the test are usually available within a few hours to a few days, depending on the laboratory's processing time. It is important for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient, as elevated CA 125 levels may necessitate further diagnostic evaluations or adjustments in treatment plans. Regular monitoring may be recommended to track changes in CA 125 levels over time, providing insights into the effectiveness of ongoing treatment or the need for additional interventions.

Short Descr IMMUNOASSAY TUMOR CA 125
Medium Descr IMMUNOASSAY TUMOR ANTIGEN QUANTITATIVE CA 125
Long Descr Immunoassay for tumor antigen, quantitative; CA 125
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 235 - Other Laboratory
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
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