Interleukin-1 Alpha, Cerebrospinal Fluid — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of interleukin-1 alpha, an inflammatory signaling protein, in cerebrospinal fluid. This specialized test may help evaluate inflammation within the central nervous system.
["An elevated CSF IL-1 alpha level may indicate inflammation in or around the central nervous system, but it does not identify the cause by itself."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70075-7
- Short code
- Il1Alpha CSF-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Il1Alpha CSF-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27550007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Interleukin-1 alpha, or IL-1 alpha, is a protein involved in the body's inflammatory response. This test measures its mass concentration in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be considered when symptoms suggest inflammation or infection involving the brain or spinal cord, particularly when the cause is unclear. It is generally a specialized test rather than part of routine cerebrospinal fluid testing.
How is the test performed?
Cerebrospinal fluid is usually collected through a lumbar puncture, in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to remove fluid. The laboratory uses a validated assay to determine the amount of IL-1 alpha present.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on the instructions provided by the clinician performing the lumbar puncture. Tell the healthcare team if you have bleeding disorders, take blood-thinning medicines, or have a back condition, and follow their instructions about food, fluids, and medicines.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected IL-1 alpha concentration may be associated with inflammatory or infectious conditions affecting the central nervous system. However, IL-1 alpha is not specific to one disease, and an abnormal result must be interpreted with symptoms, other cerebrospinal fluid findings, and other laboratory tests.
Short name
CSF IL-1 Alpha
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine lumbar puncture test?
Does an elevated result diagnose a specific condition?
Is this test available for all patients?
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