CycloOxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibition Assay (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures how well your blood serum or plasma inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is involved in inflammation and pain signaling. It may be used to assess drug effectiveness or monitor response to COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib.
["This test helps evaluate how your body responds to COX-2 blocking medications."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73460-8
- Short code
- Celecoxib ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Celecoxib ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
COX-2 is an enzyme that plays a role in producing substances called prostaglandins, which contribute to inflammation, fever, and pain. Certain medications, including celecoxib, work by reducing COX-2 activity. This test quantifies how effectively your blood serum or plasma limits COX-2’s function, often through an immunoassay method.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking or considering COX-2 inhibitors for conditions like arthritis, pain management, or other inflammatory disorders. It can help determine if the medication is working as intended or if adjustments are needed.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn and processed into serum or plasma. The sample is then analyzed to detect the enzyme’s inhibitory activity, often using a technique that measures how much the medication suppresses COX-2’s ability to convert substrates into active products.
Preparation and Sample Collection
No special preparation is typically required, but fasting may be advised depending on the clinical context. A simple blood draw is performed, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test can help monitor treatment efficacy, assess drug tolerance, or identify potential side effects related to COX-2 inhibition. Abnormal results may indicate insufficient medication effectiveness, unexpected drug interactions, or underlying conditions affecting enzyme activity.
Short name
COX-2 Inhibition Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect this 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy