CA 19-9 blood test
Quick answer: A CA 19-9 test measures a protein that can be raised in pancreatic, bile duct and some bowel cancers, and in some non-cancer conditions. Doctors use it mainly to follow known cancers or check for recurrence, not to screen healthy people.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1The inside of your elbow is cleaned
- 2A needle draws blood into a tube
- 3Pressure is applied and a plaster put on
- 4The result may be compared with your earlier values
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A raised level does not confirm cancer on its own, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high level can be seen with pancreatic, bile duct and some bowel cancers, but also with blocked bile ducts, pancreatitis and liver disease. Some people do not make CA 19-9 at all, so a normal result does not rule out cancer.
Who usually has this test
People with known pancreatic, bile duct or bowel cancer being followed during or after treatment.
Risks and aftercare
Bruising at the needle site, if any, usually fades within days.
Names and options
Also called: CA 19.9, pancreatic cancer marker
Listed by the hospital as
- CA 19.9, SERUM
Questions about this test
Can a blocked bile duct raise CA 19-9?
Yes. Gallstones or other blockages can raise CA 19-9 a lot, even without cancer. Doctors often recheck it after the blockage is treated.
Is CA 19-9 used to screen for pancreatic cancer?
No. It is not reliable enough for screening healthy people. It is mainly used to follow known cancers.
Why might CA 19-9 always be low in some people?
A small number of people lack the blood group antigen needed to make CA 19-9. In them, the test is not useful.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.