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Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Unit Converter
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, normally produced in gastrointestinal tissue during fetal development. In healthy adults, synthesis is minimal. However, CEA is frequently overexpressed in adenocarcinomas, particularly Colorectal Cancer.
Clinically, CEA is the standard tumor marker for monitoring colorectal cancer recurrence after surgical resection. It is also elevated in cancers of the pancreas, stomach, breast, and lung, as well as in benign conditions like cigarette smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis. Because it lacks specificity, it is not recommended for screening the general population. Results are reported in mass units (ng/mL, µg/L) or International Units (IU/mL). This converter allows seamless switching between these reporting standards.
SI / Standard
RecommendedMicrograms per liter or Nanograms per milliliter.
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Reference Ranges: In healthy non-smokers, CEA levels are typically < 3.0 ng/mL (µg/L). In smokers, levels may be higher, often up to 5.0 ng/mL, due to inflammation.
In colorectal cancer patients, pre-operative levels correlate with tumor stage and prognosis. Post-operatively, a failure of CEA to return to normal suggests residual disease, while a rising trend indicates recurrence. The conversion factor is generally 1:1 for standard units: 1 ng/mL = 1 µg/L ≈ 1 IU/mL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., ng/mL). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like IU/mL) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. ng/mL is the most common unit worldwide.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Yes. 1 ng/mL is exactly equal to 1 µg/L.
CEA is a heterogeneous glycoprotein (~180 kDa), but its exact molecular weight varies due to glycosylation. Mass units are preferred.