Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125), near Cardiff
A single blood test measuring CA 125, a marker used to help investigate ovarian symptoms and to monitor known ovarian cancer. Results next day. CA 125 is most useful when read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and, where needed, a scan — it is a piece of the picture, not a standalone answer. Self-refer at our Penarth or Cowbridge clinics near Cardiff.
CA 125, results next day.
What is included for £82
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff
- ✓CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) measured from one sample
- ✓Your result with the laboratory reference range
- ✓Plain-English report, anything outside the range flagged
- ✓Report emailed to you, easy to share with a clinician
- ✓Results next day, usually within 24 hours
A marker, read in context
CA 125 is a protein that can rise in the blood when the lining of the abdomen and pelvis is irritated or inflamed. Higher levels are sometimes linked to ovarian cancer, which is why it is a useful test to investigate certain symptoms and to monitor treatment. But many ordinary, non-cancerous conditions raise it too, so a CA 125 result only means something when a doctor reads it alongside your symptoms, your history and, where needed, a scan.
Useful for the right questions
Helpful for investigating symptoms that could point to the ovaries, and for tracking a known condition over time.
Not a screening test
CA 125 is not a reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer if you have no symptoms. It can be normal in cancer and raised by harmless things.
Best with a doctor
A result on its own is hard to act on. We strongly recommend reviewing it with a GP, who can decide whether a scan or referral is needed.
When a CA 125 test can help
This test is most appropriate in specific situations, ideally with clinical input rather than on its own.
Symptoms like persistent bloating, feeling full, or pelvic pain that last three weeks or more should always be checked by a doctor, whatever a CA 125 result shows. If symptoms are new, severe or worsening, please see a GP or seek urgent care rather than waiting on a test.
Why context matters so much
CA 125 is not specific to cancer. Plenty of common, non-cancerous conditions push it up, which is exactly why the number needs a clinician to interpret it.
Benign causes that can raise CA 125 common
What a raised result does not mean on its own note
Your report shows your CA 125 value against the laboratory reference range. Please have it interpreted by a doctor before drawing any conclusions.
Difficult veins? We find them with ultrasound
If you have fragile or hard-to-find veins and have had failed attempts before, our consultant radiologists can take the sample under real-time ultrasound. It is the only such service in South Wales, and patients travel to us from across Wales and the West for it.
Nobody had managed to take my blood in years without several attempts. Here it was done first time with the ultrasound. Such a relief.
Verified Google reviewFrom booking to answers, step by step
Book
Self-refer online or by phone. No GP letter needed. Same-week appointments at Penarth or Cowbridge.
Your appointment
A quick single-sample blood draw, about 10 to 15 minutes. Tell us if you have difficult veins and we will use ultrasound.
Your report
Your CA 125 value with the reference range, emailed to you, usually the next day within 24 hours.
Talk it through
Recommended: book a private GP appointment to interpret the result and decide on any next steps, such as a scan.
Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125)
All inclusive. One CA 125 blood test, results next day.
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge
- ✓CA 125 measured, with the laboratory reference range
- ✓Plain-English report emailed to you, next day
- ✓Ultrasound-guided draw available for difficult veins
A £50 booking deposit secures your slot and comes off the total.
Common questions about the CA 125 test
How much is the CA 125 test?
£82 all inclusive. That covers the blood draw, the CA 125 measurement, and a plain-English report with the laboratory reference range emailed to you, usually the next day. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the total.
What is CA 125 and what is it used for?
CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a protein that can rise when the lining of the abdomen and pelvis is inflamed. In medicine it is mainly used to help investigate symptoms that could relate to the ovaries, and to monitor people already diagnosed with ovarian cancer, including how they respond to treatment. It is one input a doctor uses, alongside symptoms and imaging.
Can I use CA 125 to screen for ovarian cancer?
No, and this is important. CA 125 is not a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in people without symptoms. It can be normal even when ovarian cancer is present, and it is often raised by completely harmless conditions. Using it as a self-check can give false reassurance or unnecessary alarm. It is most valuable when a doctor requests it to investigate specific symptoms or to monitor a known condition.
What else can raise CA 125?
Many benign, non-cancerous things: menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids, benign ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy, recent abdominal or pelvic surgery, and liver disease, among others. This is especially true before the menopause, when a raised result is more likely to have a harmless cause. That is why the result needs to be read in context.
My result is raised. What should I do?
Try not to panic — a raised CA 125 has many possible causes, most of them not cancer. The right next step is to have it reviewed by a doctor, who will consider your symptoms and history and usually arrange an ultrasound scan of the pelvis. You can book a private GP appointment with us, or take your report to your own GP.
My result is normal. Does that rule cancer out?
Not entirely. A normal CA 125 lowers the likelihood of some ovarian cancers but does not exclude them, and some ovarian cancers do not raise CA 125 at all. If you have persistent symptoms, keep pursuing them with a doctor regardless of a normal result.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. This is a self-refer test. Book online or call 029 2199 9300. Because CA 125 needs careful interpretation, we do recommend discussing the result with a doctor.
Do I need to fast or prepare?
No fasting is needed. If you are having your period, mention it when you book, as menstruation can raise CA 125 and your clinician may prefer to time the test differently.
How quickly will I get my results?
Next day in most cases, usually within 24 hours. Your report shows your CA 125 value against the laboratory reference range. We will confirm timing when you book.
Where is the blood taken?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD) or our Cowbridge clinic (10 High Street, CF71 7AG). Both are a short drive from Cardiff with easy parking.
I have difficult veins. Can you still take blood?
Yes. Our consultant radiologists can take the sample under real-time ultrasound, the only such service in South Wales. Mention it when you book so we can allow time.
Can a doctor talk me through my result?
Yes, and for this test we recommend it. You can book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will interpret the result with you and plan any next steps.
A CA 125 result is best read with a doctor
Because CA 125 has so many possible causes, the number rarely means much on its own. Book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will interpret your result alongside your symptoms and history, and arrange a scan or referral if it is needed.
Book a GP appointmentTwo clinics, close to Cardiff
Penarth Clinic
13 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road, Penarth
CF64 2AD
Mon to Thu 9:00 to 18:00
Fri 9:00 to 17:00
Sat 9:00 to 15:00
Cowbridge Clinic
Beauty Within
10 High Street, Cowbridge
CF71 7AG
By appointment. Please call for availability.
Get directionsPatients travel to us from Cardiff, Penarth, Cowbridge, Barry, Newport, Bridgend and across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Important: CA 125 is a single marker and is not a diagnostic test or a screening test for ovarian cancer. A raised result does not confirm cancer, and a normal result does not rule it out. Many benign conditions raise CA 125, particularly before the menopause. This test is most useful when interpreted by a doctor alongside your symptoms, history and, where appropriate, imaging. Please do not make decisions based on the number alone. If you have persistent or worsening symptoms such as bloating, feeling full quickly, or pelvic pain, see a doctor whatever your result. We recommend discussing your result with your own GP, or booking a private GP appointment with us. Lab values alone do not constitute medical advice.
CA 125, read properly.
Self-refer for a CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) blood test, with results next day and a plain-English report. £82 all inclusive at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff. We recommend reviewing the result with a doctor.