Interleukin (IL-6) Test - Plasma

The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) CLIA Plasma test is a laboratory test that measures the amount of IL-6 protein in a person's blood plasma.

The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) CLIA Plasma Test is conducted for various reasons, including:

• Diagnosis of certain diseases: The IL-6 test can help diagnose diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of cancers.
• Monitor disease progression: The test can help monitor the progression of certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers.
• Assess the effectiveness of treatment: The IL-6 test can help determine the effectiveness of treatment for certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Evaluate the severity of illness: Elevated levels of IL-6 in the blood can indicate the severity of an illness or disease.
• Determine the risk of complications: High levels of IL-6 in the blood may indicate an increased risk of developing complications related to certain diseases.
• Predict patient outcomes: The test can help predict patient outcomes in certain diseases, such as sepsis.

The IL-6 CLIA Plasma test is typically ordered by a healthcare provider for patients who are suspected of having an inflammatory or autoimmune condition, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Psoriasis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Vasculitis
• Sepsis or other infections
• Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) due to cancer treatment or other causes

In addition, the IL-6 CLIA Plasma test has also been used in the context of COVID-19, as increased IL-6 levels have been observed in some severe cases of COVID-19, and may be an indicator of disease severity or a potential target for treatment.

Elevated levels of IL-6 can be seen in a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer. Some specific conditions that may be associated with high levels of IL-6 include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, multiple myeloma, and sepsis.

The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.Do not collect in red top plain tube. Separate Plasma as soon as possible after collection.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Some of the other tests that may be ordered along with the IL-6 CLIA plasma test include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): It can help detect anemia, infections, and other blood disorders.
• C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated levels of CRP can indicate inflammation in the body.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Elevated ESR can indicate inflammation in the body.
• Procalcitonin: Elevated levels of procalcitonin can indicate a bacterial infection.
• Blood cultures: This test is used to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood, which can indicate a bloodstream infection.
• Liver function tests: Abnormal levels can indicate liver damage or disease.
• Kidney function tests: Abnormal levels can indicate kidney damage or disease.
• Electrolyte panel: Abnormal levels can indicate an electrolyte imbalance.

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• IL-6 blood test
• IL-6 plasma assay
• IL-6 chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) test
• IL-6 CLIA plasma assay
• IL-6 CLIA blood test