Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in serum/plasma
This test measures the amount of interleukin-1 beta, a protein involved in inflammation and immune responses, found in your blood.
["IL-1β helps your body respond to infections and injuries, but high levels may signal inflammation or autoimmune conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49717-2
- Short code
- Il1Beta Fld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Il1Beta Fld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for inflammation, evaluate conditions like sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases, or monitor responses to treatments that affect immune activity.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not provided with specific numeric ranges since they vary by condition and lab. High levels may indicate acute inflammation, infection, or autoimmune activity, while low or normal levels suggest minimal immune response.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to diagnose or assess severity in conditions such as sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, or to monitor treatment effects in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is processed into serum or plasma for testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IL-1β Level
Frequently asked questions
Interleukin-1 beta is a key mediator of the inflammatory response. Elevated levels can signal severe infections, autoimmune reactions, or acute tissue damage, guiding treatment decisions such as adjusting steroids or antibiotics.
High levels may prompt further testing for infections, autoimmune disorders, or conditions like sepsis. Your doctor will discuss next steps based on your symptoms and overall health.
Dietary factors like omega-3 fatty acids or anti-inflammatory foods may influence inflammation indirectly, but IL-1β results are specific to your blood sample at the time of testing.
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