Laboratory test

IL-6 Test (Interleukin 6)

Interleukin- 6 (Il - 6): 1 parameter from a blood sample, no fasting.

Also known as

IL-6 Test · Interleukin 6 · IL6 Test · Interleukin 6 Test · IL 6 Blood Test · Interleukin-6 Level

Sample: Blood
Fasting: Not required
Expected report time: 3–5 days
Parameters: 1

No home collection fee

IL-6 Test: quick answers

IL-6 Test full form: Interleukin 6
IL-6 Test price: ₹1,549, home sample collection
Normal range (adults): Healthy adults, typical: Below about 7 pg/mL
Done for: Judging how intense an inflammatory response is in a severe infection or sepsis; Following inflammation in certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; Monitoring people on IL-6 blocking drugs, as advised by their specialist
Fasting: Not required
Report: 3–5 days

What is the IL-6 Test?

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a signalling protein made by immune cells and other tissues during infection, injury and inflammation. The test measures how much is in your blood. A high level shows the body is mounting an inflammatory response, but it does not say what is causing it.

IL-6 Test normal range

Measurement	Typical adult value
Healthy adults, typical	Below about 7 pg/mL

IL-6 is not a routine test and assays differ widely between labs, so the cut-off on your own report governs. Levels can rise briefly after exercise, surgery or a minor illness.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your IL-6 Test result means

High: Shows active inflammation. Seen in infection, sepsis, autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, tissue injury, and some cancers. It is not specific, so doctors read it with CRP, blood counts and the clinical picture.
Normal: Suggests there is no strong systemic inflammation at the time of testing. It does not rule out disease, because IL-6 rises and falls quickly.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Why is the IL-6 Test done?

Judging how intense an inflammatory response is in a severe infection or sepsis
Following inflammation in certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
Monitoring people on IL-6 blocking drugs, as advised by their specialist
Assessing cytokine-driven illness in a hospital or research setting

What does the IL-6 Test (Interleukin 6) measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

Other measurements1 parameter

Parameter	Unit	Catalogue method	LOINC
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)	pg/mL	ECLIA	26881-3

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

IL-6 Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

You do not need to fast for this test. A blood sample will be drawn from a vein.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IL-6 test?

It measures interleukin 6, a cytokine that immune cells release when the body fights infection or injury. A high level means inflammation is active.

What does a high IL-6 mean?

It means there is inflammation somewhere in the body, but not where or why. Infection, autoimmune disease, injury and some cancers can all raise it. A doctor needs to interpret it with other tests.

What is the normal IL-6 level?

In healthy adults it is typically below about 7 pg/mL, but assays vary. Use the reference range on your report.

Is IL-6 the same as CRP?

No. IL-6 is an early signal that prompts the liver to make CRP. IL-6 rises and falls faster, while CRP is cheaper, more widely used and the usual first test for inflammation.

Is the IL-6 test a routine checkup test?

No. It is a specialised test ordered by a doctor for a specific question. It is not used to screen healthy people.

How much does the Interleukin- 6 (Il - 6) cost?

The current online price is ₹1,549. Review your booking total before payment.

Can I book this test for home collection?

Yes. Add your collection address and choose an available collection slot at checkout.

When is the report expected?

The catalogue lists 3–5 days. Confirm the collection and report schedule with the booking team.

Can I book this with other tests?

You can add available tests to the same cart. Review the combined preparation instructions and collection requirements with the booking team.

Sources: Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine, 7th edition, 2022; Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st edition, 2022. General information, not medical advice.

This page gives catalogue facts only (sample, preparation, report time) and has not been reviewed by a doctor. It is general information, not a diagnosis or advice for you: your doctor decides which tests you need and what the results mean.

Book the IL-6 Test (Interleukin 6)

1 parameter · No fasting required · Report time: 3–5 days

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₹1,549

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