Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) concentration in serum/plasma by chemiluminescent immunoassay
This test measures the chemical substance tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in your blood, typically used as part of a broader immunoassay process to detect or quantify other substances.
["TMB levels are not routinely measured for general health but may be part of specialized diagnostic testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98111-8
- Short code
- CCL4
- Synonyms
- CCL4 SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., ELISA or multiplex bead-based assay)
- CPT
- 83520 (Immunoassay, analyte, quantitative; not otherwise specified)
- SNOMED
- 447898002 |Measurement of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4|
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature; up to 7 days at 2-8°C; store at -20°C or below for long-term storage (avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles)
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is TMB Used For?
TMB is primarily an intermediate compound used in immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) or chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA). It helps detect and quantify specific proteins, antibodies, or other biomarkers indirectly by reacting with enzymes during testing. In clinical practice, this may be part of a larger panel rather than a standalone test.
How Is This Test Performed?
Your blood sample is collected and processed to separate serum or plasma. The TMB reagent is added to react with an enzyme if the target analyte is present. The resulting chemiluminescence (light emission) is measured to determine the concentration of TMB, which correlates with the presence of the target substance in your blood.
What Does a Result Mean?
Since TMB itself is not a clinical marker for a specific condition, its measurement is indirect. Results are used to validate or quantify other analytes detected in the same assay. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of your clinical symptoms and other test findings.
Who Might Need This Test?
This test is often included in specialized diagnostic panels, such as those used for autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, or cancer screening. It may also be part of research or quality control processes in laboratories.
Reference range
Reference values vary by assay platform and laboratory; consult the performing laboratory's reference range. Generally reported in pg/mL.N/A
No special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
TMB Serum/Plasma (CLIA)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What are the typical reference ranges?
Are there any risks or side effects?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy