Test Code HE4 Human Epididymis Protein 4, Serum
Useful For
Aiding in monitoring patients with treated epithelial ovarian cancer for recurrence or progression
This test should not be used as a screening test for ovarian cancer.
Reporting Name
HE4, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 84 days | |
Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
Females: ≤140 pmol/L
Males: Not applicable
Interpretation
Increase in human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) suggests recurrence or disease progression, while a decrease suggests therapeutic response. A change in serum HE4 concentration of greater than or equal to 20% is considered significant.
Clinical Reference
1. Moore RG, Brown AK, Miller MC, et al. The use of multiple novel tumor biomarkers for the detection of ovarian carcinoma in patients with a pelvic mass. Gynecol Oncol. 2008;108(2):402-408
2. Ferraro S, Braga F, Lanzoni M, Boracchi P, Biganzoli EM, Panteghini M. Serum human epididymis protein 4 vs carbohydrate antigen 125 for ovarian cancer diagnosis: a systematic review. J Clin Pathol. 2013;66(4):273-281
3. Dochez V, Caillon H, Vaucel E, Dimet J, Winer N, Ducarme G. Biomarkers and algorithms for diagnosis of ovarian cancer: CA125, HE4, RMI and ROMA, a review. J Ovarian Res. 2019;12(1):28. Published 2019 Mar 27. doi:10.1186/s13048-019-0503-7
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86305
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
HE4 | HE4, S | 55180-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
HE4 | HE4, S | 55180-4 |
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.