Ovarian Cancer Testing: OVA1™
Special News Alert: Watch a brief film on OVA1 that has aired on TV stations across the U.S.
Read a Q&A with a medical expert about the OVA1 test
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in women. Ovarian cancer can sometimes cause an ovarian mass. This is a lump of tissue that can be felt in a woman's lower abdomen. Conditions which are less serious than cancer can also cause an ovarian mass. A physician cannot know if an ovarian mass is caused by cancer until she or he operates and tests it.
What is OVA1?
OVA1 is a new FDA-cleared blood test to help a physician understand if an ovarian mass is likely to be caused by cancer before surgery.* OVA1 measures the levels of five proteins in a woman's blood. OVA1 then uses proprietary computer software to calculate a single numerical score based on the five protein levels. A woman's likelihood of cancer depends largely on how high or low the score is on a scale of 0 to 10. It also depends on whether she is pre- or post-menopausal (no longer menstruating).
Watch this brief animation to see how OVA1 combines testing for proteins in the blood with computer software to produce an OVA1 test report for physicians and their patients.
OVA1 is not a screening test for ovarian cancer. A physician should use OVA1 along with clinical exams and other tests. OVA1 is not suitable for every woman, including women who have had ovarian cancer in the past five years. OVA1 may not identify all cases of cancer.
Why is OVA1 Important?
OVA1 is important because it may help a physician decide the type of surgeon who should operate. A gynecologic oncologist has special skills for removing ovarian cancer. This physician may produce a good result when an ovarian mass is caused by cancer. Surgery by a gynecologist may produce a good result for a patient with a non-cancerous condition.
Who Developed OVA1?
Vermillion Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, developed OVA1, with support from Quest Diagnostics. OVA1 is only available nationally through Quest Diagnostics.
Does My Health Plan Cover OVA1?
Click image to enlarge
Quest Diagnostics is working to educate health plans on the value of OVA1. OVA1 is reimbursed by Medicare for Medicare beneficiaries, and may be covered by some private health plans. We suggest that women contact their health plan for information on their specific coverage level. Some women who find their health plan does not cover OVA1 testing may qualify for financial assistance through Quest Diagnostics. For more information on financial assistance, please call 1-800-420-7225 ext 7886.
For more information about how OVA1 may help you, please consult your physician. Your health care professional is the best source of information.
*The OVA1™ Test is a qualitative serum test that combines the results of five immunoassays into a single numerical result. It is indicated for women who meet the following criteria: over age 18, ovarian adnexal mass present for which surgery is planned, and not yet referred to an oncologist. The OVA1™ Test is an aid to further assess the likelihood that malignancy is present when the physician's independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy. The test is not intended as a screening or stand-alone diagnostic assay. (Source: OVA1 Informational Insert, 2010® Vermillion Inc.)
OVA1 is a trademark of Vermillion Inc.