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INTERLEUKIN 6
MessageCytokine levels may demonstrate diurnal variation. For longitudinal comparison, it is recommended that cytokine levels be determined at the same time of day.
Test Code
INTR6
Alias/See Also
IL-6;Interleukin-6, Serum;IL6;0051537;cytokine;cytokines
CPT Codes
83529
Preferred Specimen
1 Gold tube (gel separator)
Minimum Volume
0.5
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 Red tube
Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum into an aliquot or transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
- 2-8°C up to 3 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly lipemic or hemolyzed samples will be rejected.
Methodology
EIA
Setup Schedule
M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
Report Available
Within 24 hours of of day tested at the performing laboratory.
Reference Range
0.0 - 6.0 pg/mL
Clinical Significance
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a non-specific cytokine associated with an inflammatory response. It may be used in the evaluation of patients with suspected systemic infections, localized infections, and chronic inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IL-6 increases may also be seen in patient with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers. IL-6 concentrations appear to correlate with the severity of sepsis and appeear to be associated with more localized infections including prosthetic joint infections. With the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), studies have shown elevated IL-6 levels correspond to progressing respiratory failure. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 must be interpreted in the context of the clinical scenario.
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB2 (Chemistry, Beckman DxI)
Last Updated: March 27, 2024
