Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) Test For Ovarian Cancer

The Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) Test is a blood test used to monitor ovarian cancer and its response to treatment. It helps doctors track the progress of the disease and determine if it's coming back. It's essential in the management of ovarian cancer.

HE4 Test

Here are the basic details of the HE4 Test.

*HE4 Test Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

HE4 Test Means

The HE4 Test measures a specific protein's concentration in the blood, aiding in monitoring ovarian cancer progression and treatment response.

• HE4 Test is a vital diagnostic tool for tracking ovarian cancer, especially the epithelial subtypes, offering insight into the effectiveness of therapy.
• This blood test is used to detect recurrent ovarian cancer and its progression, allowing timely intervention and personalized treatment strategies.
• HE4 Test is often combined with CA-125 for a comprehensive view of ovarian cancer management, providing valuable information for healthcare decisions.
• For individuals with ovarian cancer, the HE4 Test is an essential component of follow-up care, helping doctors assess the disease's status and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

HE4 Test Purpose

The purpose of the HE4 Test is to:

• Monitors Ovarian Cancer: It tracks epithelial ovarian cancer, helping doctors gauge the effectiveness of treatment and detect cancer recurrence.
• Treatment Response Assessment: The HE4 Test aids in assessing how well cancer therapy is working, enabling adjustments as needed.
• Early Detection of Cancer Progression: It detects signs of cancer progression, allowing for timely medical intervention.
• Complementary to CA-125: Often used with CA-125, the HE4 Test provides a comprehensive view of ovarian cancer management.
• Personalized Cancer Care: This test assists in tailoring treatment plans to the patient's specific cancer status, improving outcomes and quality of care.

HE4 Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the HE4 Test.

Before Test

• No fasting or dietary restrictions are necessary.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking.

During Test

• A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
• You may feel a brief needle prick.

After Test

• You can resume your normal activities immediately.
• Your healthcare provider will discuss the test results and any further steps if needed.

HE4 Test Procedure

Here is the basic HE4 Test Procedure.

• A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm.
• The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The concentration of HE4 in the blood is measured using specialized equipment.
• Test results are typically available within a few days.
• Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and discuss their implications with you.

HE4 Test Result

Here is basic meaning of HE4 Test.

• Elevated HE4 levels may indicate ovarian cancer.
• Declining HE4 levels post-treatment often signal a positive response.
• Rising or stable HE4 levels after treatment may suggest cancer recurrence.

HE4 Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the HE4 Test.

HE4 Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the HE4 Test.

The HE4 Test measures a specific protein, aiding in ovarian cancer monitoring and treatment response assessment.

HE4 Test High Levels

Here are the potential causes of HE4 Test High Levels.

Elevated HE4 levels can result from various factors, including ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and pregnancy, offering important insights into a patient's health.

HE4 Test Low Levels

Here are the potential causes of HE4 Test Low Levels.

Specimen Requirements For HE4 Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the HE4 Test.

HE4 Test is Safe?

• The HE4 Test is safe and non-invasive, involving a straightforward blood draw with minimal discomfort.
• Risks are minimal, usually limited to the usual discomfort or bruising associated with blood collection.
• It's a crucial tool for ovarian cancer monitoring and has a favorable safety profile.
• The test plays a key role in patient care and poses no significant safety concerns.

When Do You Get HE4 Test Results? 

• Typically, HE4 test results are available within a few days.
• The exact reporting time may vary depending on the laboratory's workload and processes.
• Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you once they are available.
• The results play a crucial role in assessing ovarian cancer status and guiding further medical decisions.

HE4 Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of HE4 Test.

• HE4 test may not be elevated in all ovarian cancers.
• It is non-specific and can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions.
• Not suitable for early detection among asymptomatic individuals.
• Interpretation depends on clinical context and other diagnostic tools for accuracy.

HE4 Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the HE4 Test.

• There is no known direct risks associated with the HE4 test.
• Risks are primarily related to blood sample collection, such as bruising, minor pain, or infection.
• Risk factors may be influenced by an individual's overall health and blood clotting abilities.
• The test itself does not increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer or any other condition.
• The benefits of the HE4 test, including monitoring ovarian cancer, typically outweigh minimal associated risks.

Doctor Recommendations After HE4 Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the HE4 Test.

HE4 Test Price

Here are the estimated HE4 Test Prices in India with different top cities:

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, The HE4 Test measures a protein in the blood, aiding in ovarian cancer monitoring. Elevated levels can suggest cancer presence or recurrence, while lower levels may be associated with benign conditions. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

• WFDC2 - Wikipedia [1].
• Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a secreted ... - NIH [2].