Sign in →

Test Code LAB332 Interleukin-6, Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial


Secondary ID

618776

Useful For

Evaluating patients with suspected chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, or inflammatory bowel disease

 

Evaluating patients with Castleman disease

 

Evaluating patients with suspected systemic infection

 

Evaluating patients with suspected localized infection, specifically prosthetic joint infection

 

Assisting in identifying severe inflammatory response in patients with confirmed COVID-19 illness to aid in determining the risk of intubation with mechanical ventilation, in conjunction with clinical findings and the results of other laboratory testing

Method Name

Immunoenzymatic

Reporting Name

Interleukin-6, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  90 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject

Reference Values

< 6.4 pg/mL

Cautions

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a nonspecific marker associated with an inflammatory response and is not diagnostic for any specific disease or disease process. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 must be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient.

 

Normal concentrations of IL-6 do not exclude the possibility of an ongoing inflammatory process.

 

Interleukin-6 concentrations may be elevated in patients receiving IL-6 receptor inhibitors, such as tocilizumab, due to receptor blockade and reduced clearance of IL-6. As a result, IL-6 concentrations are not reflective of adequate tocilizumab response. Additionally, patients receiving anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies such as siltuximab may also exhibit interference in IL-6 measurements. For both patient cohorts, a more reliable assessment of IL-6-mediated inflammation can be obtained by measuring downstream acute-phase reactants, such as C-reactive protein.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

83529

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
IL6DX Interleukin-6, S 26881-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
IL6DX Interleukin-6, S 26881-3

NY State Approved

Yes