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HE4

Tumour markers · also printed as Human epididymis protein 4, HE-4, HE4 level

Typical UK adult rangebelow 140 pmol/L

Ranges vary between laboratories; the range printed on the report takes precedence.

What this test measures

HE4, human epididymis protein 4, is a protein used alongside CA 125 when looking at ovarian masses. Tumour markers are proteins that can rise for many reasons, most of them not cancer. Specialists mainly use them to follow a condition that has already been identified, and a single value cannot answer a screening question on its own.

Why doctors request it

Specialists combine it with CA 125 in the ROMA calculation. It is not a routine GP test.

What commonly pushes it up

Kidney disease, because the kidneys clear it
Increasing age and the menopause
Smoking
Some ovarian and lung cancers

What commonly pushes it down

There is no meaningful low value

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Age-related and menopause-related limits apply
Kidney disease raises it

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.