General

Synonym/Acronym:
Bladder tumor associated antigen (BTA), cytogenic marker for bladder cancer.

Rationale
Bladder cancer markers can identify undiagnosed bladder cancer; however, these noninvasive markers are mainly used to assist in diagnosing residual or recurring bladder cancer; cystoscopy is still considered the gold standard for detection of bladder cancer.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. As appropriate, provide the required urine collection container and specimen collection instructions.

Normal Findings
Method: Enzyme immunoassay for BTA, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for cytogenic marker. Care must be taken to use the same assay method if serial measurements are to be taken.

BTA: Negative.

Cytogenic Marker: Negative.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions

• Bladder cancer

Timely notification to the requesting health-care provider (HCP) of any critical findings and related symptoms is a role expectation of the professional nurse. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.