Some cytokines promote inflammation and activate immune cells to fight infection or disease, while others help to regulate the immune response and prevent excessive inflammation or tissue damage.
Cytokine testing can provide a range of insights including:
Elevated levels of certain cytokines may indicate the presence of an inflammatory or autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease.
Cytokine testing can be used to monitor the severity and progression of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases over time, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Infectious disease diagnosis: Cytokine testing can also be used to diagnose and monitor infectious diseases, such as viral infections or sepsis, by measuring the immune response to the infection.
What we test
Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Pro-inflammatory cytokines promote inflammation and activate the immune system in response to infection, injury, or other types of stress. They are produced by various immune cells, such as macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells.
IL-1 is a group of pro-inflammatory cytokines that play an important role in the immune response to infection and injury.
IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the immune response to infection and injury, as well as in the regulation of various physiological processes.
IL-7 plays a crucial role in the development and survival of immune cells, particularly T cells and B cells.
IL-8 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that promotes the recruitment and activation of neutrophils and other immune cells to the site of infection or injury, and also plays a role in the regulation of immune cell function.
IL-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the immune response to infections, particularly against extracellular bacteria and fungi, as well as in the regulation of various physiological processes.
TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the immune response to infections and injury - it promotes inflammation by activating immune cells and increasing the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines.
TNF-β plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation, and is involved in the development and maintenance of lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes and spleen.
Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines
Anti-inflammatory cytokines dampen the immune response and reduce inflammation - they are important for controlling inflammation and maintaining immune homeostasis.
GM-CSF plays a crucial role in the regulation of the production, differentiation, and function of various types of blood cells, including granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells.
IL-2 plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses. It stimulates the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of various immune cells.
IL-4 is a cytokine that is produced by various immune cells, including T cells, mast cells, and basophils. It plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
IL-5 is a cytokine produced by various immune cells, including T cells, mast cells, and eosinophils. It plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
IL-10 plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation. It is involved in the regulation of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
IL-12 is a cytokine that is produced by various immune cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. It plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
IL-13 is produced by various immune cells, including T cells, NK cells, and mast cells. It plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
Interferon-gamma is a cytokine that is produced by various immune cells, including T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. It plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
Test instructions
You’ll receive your blood test kit in the mail, along with logistics for your sample collection. Prepaid postage and packaging is included.
Book a collection for a venous blood draw AND centrifuge using a phlebotomy service. Visit https://www.i-screen.co.nz/blood-testing-centres/ for collection options in your location. Please note there is an additional cost associated payable directly to the service. Please only book the first Monday of every month and bring your prepaid packaging to post the sample directly after.
Mail your sample back to the lab according to the instructions provided with your kit
Results for this test available in 2-4 weeks depending on region and will be published in your online dashboard.
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