Also known as: INTERLEUKIN-6, IL6, F247
Test Contains (LOINC): Interleukin 6 (26881-3)
Preferred Container: Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Plain (Red Top) Tube
Minimal Sample Volume: 0.4 mL
Handling Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to a Standard Transport Tube (min: 0.3 mL). Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Client Transport Temperature: Critical Frozen
Specimen Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 30 minutes; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: 1 year
Unsuitable Specimen: Refrigerated specimens. Contaminated or heat-inactivated specimens. Plasma
Frequency: Sunday, Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Expected Turn Around: 2 – 5 Days
Reference Range: Lower limit of detection is 5 pg/mL. Cytokine levels may demonstrate diurnal variation. For longitudinal comparison, it is recommended that cytokine levels be determined at the same time of day.
Responsible Dept: Reference Lab
Referral Lab Code: 0051537
Methodology: Quantitative Multiplex Bead Assay
Ordering Recommendation: Primarily for research and to support attempts to understand the pathogenesis of immune, infectious, allergic, or inflammatory disorders.
