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Interferon-alpha
Test Code34887
CPT Codes
83520
Preferred Specimen
1 mL frozen serum submitted in a red-top tube (no gel)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Keep samples frozen. Freeze within 30 minutes of draw.
Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Lipemia • Icteric • Heat inactivated serum • Serum Separator Tube (SST®) • CSF and other body fluids • Received refrigerated • Received room temperature
Methodology
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Second and fourth Thurs of the month a.m.; Report available: 14 days
Reference Range
≤3 IU/mL
Clinical Significance
IFNalpha is mainly produced by monocytes/macrophages, lymphoblastic cells and fibroblasts, but different types of virus activated cells may produce the cytokine. IFNalpha shows antiviral, antiparasitic, and antiproliferative properties. Increased levels suggest recent or ongoing viral or parasitic infection.
