Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)

CA-125 (Cancer Antigen) Test, Carbohydrate Antigen (CA-125) Test

Risks

There is very small chance of problems from having blood drawn from a vein.

• You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower your chance of bruising by putting pressure on the site for several minutes.
• In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This condition is called phlebitis. You can use a warm compress several times a day to treat this.
• Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can also make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your health professional before your blood is drawn.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: June 9, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
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