Interleukin-1 Alpha (IL-1α), Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
This specialized blood test measures the amount of the inflammatory signaling protein interleukin-1 alpha in serum or plasma.
["Interleukin-1 alpha is a marker of immune and inflammatory activity, and results should be interpreted by a clinician in the context of your symptoms and other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33821-0
- Short code
- Il1Alpha SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Il1Alpha SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 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 is this test?
This test measures the concentration of interleukin-1 alpha, also called IL-1α, in blood serum or plasma. IL-1α is a signaling protein produced by certain immune cells and can be increased during inflammation or infection.
Why might I need this test?
This is a specialized test that may be used in selected clinical evaluations or research involving inflammation, immune disorders, or certain conditions affecting the joints or other tissues. It is not usually part of a routine blood panel, and the result is interpreted alongside your medical history and other laboratory findings.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein. The laboratory separates serum or plasma from the blood and measures the amount of IL-1α using a specialized laboratory assay. The exact sample type and testing method depend on the laboratory's instructions.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is commonly required for this test. Follow the instructions provided by the ordering laboratory, and tell your healthcare professional if you have a recent infection, fever, inflammatory flare, or are taking medicines that may affect immune activity.
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.
An elevated IL-1α concentration may reflect increased inflammatory or immune activity, such as during infection, inflammation, or certain immune-mediated conditions. A lower result may be found in some individuals and does not by itself establish a specific disease. Results should be interpreted by a qualified clinician because IL-1α is not usually a stand-alone diagnostic test.
Short name
Interleukin-1 alpha
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required for an interleukin-1 alpha test?
What does a high IL-1α result mean?
Is this the same as an interleukin-1 beta 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