Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a blood test that measures the level of interleukin-6, an important cytokine involved in the body's immune and inflammatory responses. Elevated IL-6 levels may indicate inflammation, infection, autoimmune disorders, or certain cancers. The test is also used to assess disease severity, monitor treatment response, and evaluate inflammatory conditions, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and patient management.
The test may help evaluate infections; autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory diseases, sepsis, certain cancers, and other conditions associated with excessive immune system activation.
Elevated IL-6 levels may indicate active inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, tissue injury, certain cancers, or severe immune responses. Additional clinical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause.
Low or undetectable IL-6 levels are generally considered normal in healthy individuals. They usually indicate the absence of significant inflammation, although interpretation depends on your overall clinical condition.
No. The IL-6 test is a supportive investigation and cannot diagnose a specific disease independently. It must be interpreted alongside symptoms, physical examination, and other laboratory or imaging findings.
Yes. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can stimulate the immune system to produce higher levels of IL-6. Increased levels often reflect the body's inflammatory response to infection.
Certainly. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other inflammatory conditions may increase IL-6 production, making the test useful for assessing inflammatory activity.