Interleukin 6 (IL-6) Test
2,700 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
IL-6 Test, IL 6, Interleukin 6, Inflammation
Purpose
The IL-6 test is a blood test that measures the level of interleukin-6, a cytokine involved in the body’s immune and inflammatory responses. This test helps evaluate a person’s inflammatory status, monitor the severity of inflammation, and detect immune system dysregulation.
It is especially important for identifying and monitoring infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic inflammatory conditions, and evaluating disease activity in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and certain cancers.
Other medical laboratory tests that can be performed alongside IL-6 include C-reactive protein (CRP), Procalcitonin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Ferritin, and D-dimer.
Patient Preparation
No specific preparation is required for the IL-6 test.
Samples
1 mL plasma or serum collected in a red-top tube or gel-barrier tube. Plasma and serum should be separated within one hour after sample collection. Samples are stable at room temperature/refrigerated/frozen for 14 days.
Reference Range
0.007 ng/ml or 7 pg/ml, or up to 18 nanograms per ml.
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators
A variety of inflammatory and immune-related conditions commonly raise interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Sepsis and severe infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus)
- Certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma, multiple myeloma)
- Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, atherosclerosis)
Here are some possible outcomes of the IL-6 test
High IL-6 Levels
Suggest active inflammation or infection. This may indicate the presence or severity of an inflammatory disease, immune response, or sepsis. In critically ill patients, high levels may point to a cytokine storm or worsening clinical prognosis.
Normal IL-6 Levels
May indicate the absence of significant inflammation at the time of testing. However, normal levels do not rule out disease, especially in early stages or with conditions that have intermittent activity.
Low IL-6 Levels
Typically considered expected in healthy individuals with no active inflammation or infection. For more on Interleukin 6 (IL-6) testing, read this study.