Interleukin 6, Plasma

IL-6 test is ordered in the following conditions:

1. When patient is suspected with sepsis / septicemia
2. Auto immune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis and even in IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
3. Certain types of cancer
4. Localized infections like periodontitis

Systemic infections like COVID -19

Increased concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) point out to an ongoing inflammatory response in the body. IL-6 is a nonspecific marker and hence is not diagnostic for any specific disease.

0 - 7 pg/ml

C - reactive protein or the CRP test is the more commonly ordered test by doctors to evaluate inflammation. Doctors do order IL-6 together with CRP when a person displays symptoms of an inflammatory condition or infection.

The IL-6 test is useful in evaluation of patients who are suspected with conditions that lead to systemic inflammation – example: infections, inflammations, autoimmune disorders and certain types of cancer. Recently in the ongoing pandemic, IL-6 test has been a frequently ordered test to evaluate and monitor the immune reaction in COVID -19 patients.

The interleukin test measures the amount of IL-6 in the blood.

Other names: Interleukin test, IL-6 test 

Interleukin-6 or IL-6 is one among the large group of molecules called Cytokines. Cytokines together play a role in directing the body’s immune response. Since IL-6 is responsible for regulating immune response, it is a useful marker of immune system activation. IL-6 also plays an important role in activating B-cells that produce antibodies therefore is responsible for enhancing antibody response. IL-6 is a protein produced by various cells including macrophages and T-cells and it can also be produced by the body in response to other cytokines like TNF-α (Tumour Necrosis Factor - alpha) or IL-1 beta.