Interleukin-6 Test For Inflammation

An interleukin-6 test is a medical assessment that measures the levels of a specific protein in your blood, which can indicate inflammation and various health conditions.

Interleukin-6 Test

Here are the basic details of the Interleukin-6 Test.

Also Known As	IL-6 Test
Type	Blood test
Purpose	Assess inflammation
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	Typically no special preparation
Fasting	Not required
Gender	Any
Age Group	Any
Normal Value	<5.90 pg/mL
Reporting Time	1-2 days
Cost	2500-4000 INR*

*Interleukin-6 Test Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Interleukin-6 Test Means

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a protein present in the human body.

It plays a key role in the immune system's response to infection.
IL-6 levels can increase in the presence of inflammation.
This test measures the concentration of IL-6 in the blood.
It helps in diagnosing and monitoring various inflammatory conditions.
Interleukin-6 testing is valuable in assessing overall health and specific diseases.

Interleukin-6 Test Purpose

The purpose of the Interleukin-6 Test is to:

Assess inflammation levels in the body.
Aid in diagnosing inflammatory conditions.
Monitor the progress of inflammatory diseases.
Guide treatment decisions for various illnesses.
Evaluate overall health and immune system activity.

Interleukin-6 Test Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Procedure Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

Interleukin-6 Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Interleukin-6 Test.

Before Test

No specific dietary or fluid restrictions are typically required.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you're taking.

During Test

The healthcare provider will collect a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm.
You might feel a brief prick or stinging sensation during the blood draw.

After Test

There is usually no special post-test care or restrictions.
You can resume normal activities immediately.

Interleukin-6 Test Procedure

Here is the basic Interleukin-6 Test Procedure.

The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) test involves a blood sample collection.
A healthcare provider will typically clean the area and insert a needle into a vein to draw blood.
The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The laboratory measures the concentration of IL-6 in the blood sample.
Results are usually available in a few days.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and determine any necessary actions or treatments based on the findings.

Interleukin-6 Test Result

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) test results are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).

Elevated IL-6 levels may indicate inflammation or the presence of an underlying health condition.
The results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of the patient's medical history and other clinical information.
Further diagnostic tests or treatments may be recommended based on the IL-6 test findings.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and guide any necessary actions or interventions.

Interleukin-6 Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the Interleukin-6 Test

Test Name	Normal Range
INTERLEUKIN-6; IL-6	<5.90 pg/mL

Interleukin-6 Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Interleukin-6 Test.

Interleukin-6 Level	Interpretation
<5.90 pg/mL	Within the biological reference interval.
>5.90 pg/mL	Elevated IL-6 level, indicative of an inflammatory response, but not diagnostic for a specific disease.

Interleukin-6 Test High Levels

Here are the Interleukin-6 Test High Levels Potential Causes mentioned.

Potential Causes	Explanation
Inflammatory Conditions	Elevated IL-6 is associated with various inflammations such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases.
Tissue Injury or Trauma	IL-6 levels may rise in response to tissue damage, injury, or surgery.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)	High IL-6 levels can be observed in CRS, which is an immune system response often seen in certain cancer treatments.
Severe Stress or Psychological Distress	Psychological stress, anxiety, and distress can lead to temporary IL-6 elevation.
Chronic Diseases	Conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity can result in chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to elevated IL-6.
Certain Medications	Some medications, like certain immunomodulators, can increase IL-6 levels.
Heterophilic Antibodies or Interference	The presence of heterophilic antibodies or assay interference may give falsely elevated results.
Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies Interference	Certain laboratory methods using mouse monoclonal antibodies can lead to inaccurate results.

Interleukin-6 Test Low Levels

Here are the Interleukin-6 Test Low Levels Potential Causes mentioned.

Potential Causes	Explanation
Absence of Inflammation	IL-6 is primarily associated with inflammation, so low levels are expected in the absence of inflammatory conditions.
Adequate Health and No Current Infections	Low IL-6 levels may indicate the absence of infections or significant inflammatory responses.
Specific Medications	Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, can lower IL-6 levels.
Underlying Health Conditions	Chronic diseases or immune system disorders may result in chronically low IL-6 levels.
Certain Lab Interferences	Interference with the IL-6 assay may result in falsely low levels.
Specific Treatments or Therapies	Medical treatments or therapies can affect IL-6 levels, leading to decreased values.

Specimen Requirements For Interleukin-6 Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Interleukin-6 Test.

Specimen	Serum
Volume	1 ml
Container	Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection	Separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube.
Storage	Freeze.
Sample Stability	Temperature	Period
	Room temperature	1 day
	Refrigerated	1 day
	Frozen	14 days
	Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x1
Causes for Rejection	Grossly hemolyzed; bacterial contamination;

Interleukin-6 Test is Safe?

Interleukin-6 tests are generally safe and well-tolerated.
The procedure involves a routine blood draw, which carries minimal risk.
It is a standard medical test with no significant safety concerns for most individuals.

When Do You Get Interleukin-6 Test Results?

Interleukin-6 test results are typically available within 1 to 2 days.
The reporting time may vary depending on the specific laboratory or healthcare provider.

Interleukin-6 Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Interleukin-6 Test.

Limited specificity: Elevated IL-6 levels can result from various conditions, making it non-specific for a particular diagnosis.
Single-point measurement: It provides a snapshot of inflammation, which can vary over time.
Inter-individual variation: Normal IL-6 levels can differ between individuals, complicating interpretation.
Can't pinpoint the cause: It doesn't directly identify the underlying cause of inflammation.
Influenced by medications: Medications can affect IL-6 levels, potentially confounding results.

Interleukin-6 Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Interleukin-6 Test.

Not a diagnostic test alone.
Results can be influenced by various health conditions.
Inter-individual variation in normal levels.
Medications can impact IL-6 levels.
Interpretation depends on clinical context.

Doctor Recommendations After Interleukin-6 Test Result

Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Interleukin-6 Test.

Interleukin-6 Test	Doctor to Visit	Reason
High Values	Rheumatologist or Immunologist	Assess and manage inflammatory conditions.
Normal Values	No specific specialist	Based on overall health and symptoms.
Low Values	No specific specialist	Based on overall health and symptoms.

Interleukin-6 Test Price

Here are the estimated Interleukin-6 Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	2500-4000
New Delhi	2700-4000
Bangalore	2500-4000
Hyderabad	2700-4000
Kolkata	2500-4000
Pune	2700-4000
Lucknow	2500-4000
Noida	2700-4000
Surat	2700-4000
Gurugram	2500-4000
Patna	2700-4000
Chennai	2500-4000
Jaipur	2700-4000
Ahmedabad	2500-4000

*Interleukin-6 Test Price are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Interleukin-6 Test is crucial for assessing inflammation, diagnosing inflammatory conditions, and guiding treatment decisions, enhancing overall health management. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Interleukin-6 - Wikipedia [1].
IL-6 in Inflammation, Immunity, and Disease - PMC NIH [2].

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What is the Interleukin-6 test?

The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) test is a diagnostic blood test that measures the level of IL-6, a cytokine, in the bloodstream. It is often used to assess inflammation and immune system activity. Elevated IL-6 levels can indicate various medical conditions, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers.

Why is the IL-6 test important?

The IL-6 test plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring a range of health conditions. It helps healthcare providers evaluate the severity of inflammation, track disease progression, and determine the effectiveness of treatments. Additionally, it aids in identifying the underlying causes of inflammatory disorders.

How is the IL-6 test performed?

To perform the IL-6 test, a blood sample is drawn from a patient's vein, typically in the arm. The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about a patient's health.

What are normal IL-6 levels?

Normal IL-6 levels in the blood typically range from 1 to 5 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). However, reference ranges may vary between laboratories, so it's essential to interpret results in the context of a specific lab's reference values. Elevated IL-6 levels may suggest an underlying health issue.

Interleukin-6 Test For Inflammation