Interleukin-6, Serum
Use
Evaluating patients with suspected chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. It is also useful for evaluating patients with Castleman disease, suspected systemic or localized infections, and assisting in identifying severe inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients to determine the risk of intubation. IL-6 plays a key role in the immune response and its concentrations can indicate various inflammatory and infectious conditions.
Special Instructions
This test is performed Monday through Saturday and requires specific handling for sample stability. Refrigeration is preferred for up to 14 days, while samples can be stored ambient for 24 hours or frozen for 90 days. The assay is conducted per manufacturer's instructions for emergency use authorization by the US FDA.
Limitations
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a nonspecific marker associated with an inflammatory response and is not diagnostic for any specific disease. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 must be interpreted with the clinical context of the patient. IL-6 concentrations may be elevated in patients receiving IL-6 receptor inhibitors due to receptor blockade and reduced clearance. Consequently, IL-6 levels may not accurately reflect treatment response.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 26881-3
- 26881-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum gel tube; submission in plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred), ambient and frozen acceptable
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |