Serum or plasma concentration of C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2)
This test measures the amount of CCL2, a protein involved in immune response and inflammation, found in your blood.
["CCL2 helps your body respond to infections and tissue damage by signaling immune cells to the area."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97052-5
- Short code
- CCL2
- Synonyms
- CCL2 SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plasma tube (EDTA, heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., ELISA, Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 83520 (Immunoassay for analyte other than infectious agent antibody or infectious agent antigen; quantitative, not otherwise specified)
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or plasma
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature; up to 7 days at 2-8°C; up to 3 months at -20°C or colder for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does CCL2 Measure?
CCL2, also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), is a small protein released by cells during inflammation. It attracts immune cells like monocytes to areas of injury or infection. Elevated levels may indicate ongoing inflammation or immune activity in your body.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order CCL2 testing to evaluate conditions involving chronic inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, or organ-specific inflammation (e.g., kidney, heart). It can also help monitor responses to treatments targeting inflammation.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (if drawn without anticoagulants) or plasma (if drawn with anticoagulants like EDTA or citrate). The sample is then analyzed in a lab using immunoassay methods to measure CCL2 concentration.
Common Conditions Monitored
While not a routine screening test, elevated CCL2 levels can be associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, heart disease, kidney disease, or certain cancers. Low or normal levels may suggest reduced inflammation or immune activity in these contexts.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory and assay methodology; typically reported in pg/mL. Generally: <100 pg/mL in healthy adults, though ranges depend on the specific assay platform.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Avoid vigorous exercise prior to collection as it may transiently affect chemokine levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
CCL2 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2) level
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test performed?
What do my results mean?
Is there anything I should do before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy